Karl Lacey ruled out of Donegal's Galway game by knee injury

Karl Lacey was named Footballer of the Year in 2012

Donegal defender Karl Lacey has been ruled out of Saturday's All-Ireland Football qualifier against Galway.

Lacey was forced off in the first half of the Ulster Final defeat by Monaghan because of knee ligament damage.

Manager Rory Gallagher confirmed that Four Masters club-man Lacey will miss Saturday's game although he does not require surgery.

"He wouldn't be out long-term but he is not available for the Galway game," Gallagher told the Irish Times.

"It's a huge blow because he had started the Ulster final very well, scoring a point and setting up another, and was in great form.

"There is slight damage to the outside of the knee but we've known about it since the day of the (Monaghan) game."

Lacey was named Footballer of the Year in 2012 after helping Donegal win that year's All-Ireland title and has also been named in four All-Star teams.

Gallagher confirmed that key forwards Michael Murphy and Paddy McBrearty both carried slight knee injuries in the Ulster Final but added that they are now fully recovered.

Murphy struggled to make an impression in the Ulster Final as he was curtailed by Vinny Corey while McBrearty was more effective before missing a late chance to earn Donegal a replay.

"Michael had a slight knock and Patrick got a bang in the Ulster semi-final against Derry, but they are both fine and trained with no problems at all at the weekend."

Victory at headquarters will set up an All-Ireland quarter-final encounter against Connacht champions Mayo on 8 August.