Michael Meehan can fully understand why Karl Lacey is opting to put his career on hold to concentrate on Gaelic football.

The Donegal star revealed earlier this week that he will be effectively living the life of a professional athlete for the next few months to ensure he is at the top of his game in the championship.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland U21FC final between Tipperary and Tyrone, EirGrid ambassador Meehan admitted that he did the same thing himself, even though it sends out the wrong message to youngsters.

"Would I agree with him? I would. Absolutely," the Caltra man said.

"He is going to take the three or four months and give 100 per cent for Donegal team. Loads of lads are doing it, or as close to it. I did the same and I would do the same again if I could. Although it is very short-sighted - it's not a good message to send out but it is happening, and will continue to happen.

"Maybe there needs to be better reimbursement for the players, but we are not going to go down that road."

Meehan, who was forced to quit the Galway squad last year due to an ongoing ankle problem, admits that a return to the inter-county fold is unlikely.

"With a full new ankle, and a knee, then maybe, but I'm not even considering it to be honest. I'm doing a small bit of training with my club, but I haven't trained much the past 18 months," he explained.

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