McCarthy reveals Hogan Depression

Newtown assistant boss Ger McCarthy has revealed Donal Hogan is 'deeply depressed' at facing a new spell on the sidelines. Hogan is struggling with a mystery illness and faces a lengthy spell out of action.

The malady is the latest blow for Hogan, who has seen this season blighted by a series of injuries.

McCarthy admitted Hogan is struggling to come to terms with this latest setback and even broke down in tears in front of him and the other players.

"I witnessed something I've never seen before - a player burst into tears in front of other players," said McCarthy.

"There was around eight of us - players and physios - in the treatment room on Tuesday and Donal just burst into tears, and I had to take him to the doctor's room.

"He burst into tears because he feels frustrated and he feels he's letting everyone down.

"We all felt emotional and felt for Donal because I like to think we've got a team spirit going. There was no mickey-taking from the rest of the players at that point.

"This is a hard environment to work in, the banter can be extremely cruel at times. But for five minutes afterwards, the players were still in shock.

"Donal knows people out there think that there's something he needs to do differently to get back.

"He wants the supporters to know that it's nothing he's done, and that he's done everything he possibly can to get back.

"Donal's been extremely low... he's deeply depressed."

Meanwhile, Newtown wing forward John Barry is set to undergo a knee operation next week.

Barry has been carrying the injury for the last few weeks and the club have decided to send him under the knife during the start of the pheasant season.

"Denis Hogan is  also on out for another few weeks as he has hit a minor set back in the recovery form a finger injury he received at the start of the year. And once again Chinky has done nothing to help his recovery.