Mark Poland will do well to be ready for Down's SF Qualifier against Monaghan on Saturday week.

The Longstone ace required 15 stitches to close a horrific facial wound above his right eye after his head inadvertently collided with Colm Cavanagh's knee late in Sunday's Ulster final at Clones.

Play was held up while a stricken Poland - who had entered the fray as a 56th-minute substitute - received treatment on the field. He appeared to have been knocked out cold by the contact and looked groggy as he was helped back to his feet.

Any player who suffers concussion is banned from playing for seven days. While Poland will not be ruled out by this protocol, he is still a major doubt for the Round-Four Qualifier due to the sheer severity of the cut to his face.

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