New Westmeath football boss Brendan Hackett is facing the prospect of being without three of his most experienced players for the start of the National League. Fergal Wilson, Michael Ennis and John Smyth are all currently sidelined with injuries and will play no part in today's O'Byrne Cup opener against DCU at St. Loman's Lakepoint Park. Wilson, who starred in Tubberclair's run to the Leinster club IFC final before Christmas, could be out of action for several weeks due to a groin injury, while fellow half forward Smyth is struggling with an Achilles tendon problem. 2008 All-Star nominee Ennis, meanwhile, sustained a knee injury in last Wednesday night's challenge match against Cavan on Kingspan Breffni Park's new 3G synthetic pitch and has yet to discover the extent on the problem. Tweet

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