Mayo suffer midfield setback ahead of Down clash

MAYO have suffered a significant injury setback ahead of next Saturday's All-Ireland SFC qualifier against Down in Newry.

Midfielder Matthew Ruane is ruled out of the match after breaking a collar bone.

The Breaffy ace incurred the injury in an A versus B Mayo senior football squad training game yesterday evening.

Ruane had established himself as Aidan O'Shea's midfield partner during the successful National League campaign.

His loss represents a major blow to manager James Horan's plans for the Down assignment.