Clare star Tony Kelly has been ruled out of the majority of his county's Allianz Hurling League campaign due to an ankle injury.

The 2013 Hurler of the Year and Young Hurler of the Year, Kelly is arguably Clare's most important player and his absence will be a significant blow for Davy Fitzgerald's side as they bid to win promotion from Division IB, the Banner County having been relegated last season.

A spokesman for Clare GAA told sports news website the42.ie that Kelly picked up the knock last week. "Tony will be out for up to 8 weeks due an ankle ligament picked up in training last week.

A scan confirmed the injury yesterday," he said.   Clare begin their Allianz Hurling League campaign on February 14 with a home game against Offaly. Their other four fixtures in the league are on February 21 (v Wexford), March 5 (v Laois), March 13 (v Kerry), March 20 (v Limerick).