ALL-STAR RETURNS TO CLARE.

Byline: By JACKIE CAHILL

CLARE manager Mike McNamara has confirmed that former All-Star goalkeeper Davy Fitzgerald will return to the county's senior hurling panel in the coming weeks.

Fitzgerald played no part in Clare's 2007 campaign following a disagreement with Tony Considine.

Speaking on Clare FM last night, McNamara revealed: "David and myself have spoken and hopefully, in a week or two, the medical advice for David will be that he can attempt a return."

Fitzgerald suffered an horrific finger injury during a club game last October which required reconstructive surgery.

The 36-year-old double All-Ireland winner almost lost the top of the 'ring' finger on his left hand but he has made encouraging progress in recent weeks on the road to recovery.

Fitzgerald revealed last night that his doctors believe that he is "mad" to consider a return but he Sixmilebridge clubman feels that he has to do so.

He said: "I'm going back, hopefully at the end of this month, even though the doctors think that I am mad to do so.

"But I have to try and at least I will be happy myself that way. If it works, it works and if it doesn't, it doesn't."

McNamara said: "A fully-fit David Fitzgerald would make a massive contribution to the Clare hurling set-up."

CAPTION(S):

INJURY: Davy Fitzgerald