Donegal defender Karl Lacey ruled out for three months Donegal defender Karl Lacey will be sidelined for 12 weeks after having surgery on a hip problem. Lacey, who was named Footballer of the Year in October after Donegal's All-Ireland triumph, is set to miss the early stages of the National League. The Four Masters centre half-back earned a fourth All Star spot this year, reflecting his consistent excellence for the county. Donegal face Kildare in their league opener at Croke Park on 2 February. Lacey missed Sunday's RTE Sports Awards after being advised against travelling to Dublin by his surgeon. He came in ahead of Donegal team-mates Colm McFadden and Frank McGlynn to win the Footballer of the Year award.