Ireland U20's set to be without captain Jack Kelly for Italy clash

Ireland U20's take on Italy in this weekend's clash with captain Jack Kelly set to miss the game after sustaining a knock to his AC joint during Friday's victory over Scotland.

The former St. Michaels pupil may need shoulder surgery to correct the injury which could put his tournament participation in jeopardy.

The full back sat out of the squad's first session of the week at the National Sports Campus in Abbotstown yesterday and a decision on his availability will be made on a later date.

''Jack is under pressure for the weekend,'' assistant coach Peter Malone said.

''He got a real bang on the AC joint so I don't know if he has been ruled out yet but it will be a long shot if he makes it. He didn’t train today [Monday] and I’d say we’ll make a call on it Tuesday.