Ireland manager Sean Boylan has been dealt another blow ahead of the International Rules series with the news that Down midfielder Dan Gordon has been ruled out through injury. Gordon joins fellow Down man Martin Clarke, Tadhg Kennelly and Laois' Tom Kelly on the injury list after suffering a recurrence of a foot injury in his club Loughinisland's county final defeat to Mayobridge last Sunday. The big midfielder, who has also featured at full forward for the Mourne County, had taken part in a number of trials and was expected to figure highly in the manager's thoughts. Down boss Ross Carr explained: "Dan has been suffering from a stress fracture in his foot for the last couple of months so he did very well to play for us in the championship. "But he will have to take a break to get himself right for next year." However, Down still have two players - Benny Coulter and Carr's son Aidan - in Boylan's extended panel which he will finalise next Monday. If Coulter makes the cut again, a new date will have to be found for the Ulster club championship first round clash between his club Mayobridge and St. Gall's of Antrim. Mayobridge completed a five-in-a-row of Down SFC successes when they defeated Loughinisland 0-12 to 0-8 at the weekend. Tweet

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