Kieran (The one they call Alf) Brophy will miss the start of the season for Newtown due to injury.

The North Tipp international has undergone a hamstring operation after picking up a problem in training earlier in the week.

Brophy, who can play in defence or midfield, is likely to be missing from Paul Harty's plans for upto three weeks.

He will be sidelined for Newtown's pre-season games and is also likely to be absent for the Premiership opener.

The first leg of the shield next Wednesday will also be off the agenda for Brophy.

Newtown boss Harty values Brophy as an integral squad member and will have to look for other options over the next few weeks.