Former Clare selector Mike McNamara believes Clare hurling will be the biggest loser if Davy Fitzgerald does not return to the county team this year.

McNamara says that the longer the row goes on between the former All Star goalkeeper and current manager Tony Considine, then the primary loser will be Clare hurling.

McNamara was a selector and trained the Clare side which won the All-Ireland titles in 1995 and 1997 under the management of Ger Loughnane.

"It is an unusual situation but it will be very sad if this is the end of Davy Fitzgerald's career with Clare. He is one of the most decorated Clare hurlers of all time." McNamara added it would be in everyone's interest to get the row resolved.