Blues suffer massive blow with big name injuries

Waterford FC are expected to without the services of their captain Barry Baggley until August at the earliest as the Fleetwood Town loanee continues to miss out with a complicated lower back injury that has him on the sidelines nearly three months.

Baggley limped off in the 0-0 draw against Dundalk back in March and hasn’t featured in the squad since, but despite receiving treatment in the UK and back in Waterford that saw him return to training back in April, the Northern Ireland International suffered another setback and will remain out for another while.

“Unfortunately we’re not sure when Barry will be back,” said Long when asked how long more he’ll be without his skipper, who has been present at the RSC for recent games including the win over Bohemians on Friday night.

“He has to get another scan and we’re hoping from there. If it’s not treated properly, it could turn into a very serious injury and could lead to a longer term effects. It’s a lower back problem and the back is a notoriously very tricky place to navigate at times for medical people.

“We’re erring on the side of caution as per the instruction of the medical staff at the football club and we’ll be guided by them. Unfortunately we’re looking at maybe the end of July or into August maybe, but we’re hoping that we may have him available for the last quarter of the season.” Long also gave an update on both Maleace Asamoah and Harvey Macadam. “I think that one of the key things for me is that there is still growth to come from this team. I think that there is still one or two more levels to come.

“We’re not only missing Barry, but we’re missing Maleace Asamoah, who unfortunately is going to be out for up to six weeks. Harvey Macadam is gone back to Fleetwood due to injury as well. That’s why it’s been so pleasing to see lads come into the squad, step up, come in and take their opportunity.

“I can see the maturity that we’ve got in some players around the team. Darragh Leahy, Grant Horton, Rowan McDonald, Podge Amond and Darragh Power all doing so well. I do feel there’s more in this group and there’s growth in this group.”