Finn Harps 'keeper Tim Hiemer ruled out for rest of season

Finn Harps goalkeeper Tim Hiemer will miss the rest of the season.

Harps manager Dave Rogers has confirmed that the German will be sidelined with a meniscus ailment.

Hiemer hasn’t played since the 4-3 win over Cobh Ramblers in July and had been troubled by the injury for some time before that.

“He will go next week to see the specialist and will probably need some surgery on it,” Rogers told Donegal Live.

“He is probably going to be out for the rest of the season now.”

Daithi McCallion pounces late as Finn Harps hold leaders Galway United

Finn Harps twice came from behind to earn a deserved draw with Galway United, the runaway First Division leaders, at Finn Park

The 28-year-old came through the academy at Borussia Monchengladbach. Hiemer played at Gladbach II and with NFC Orlandina in Italy and the Nike Academy before moving to Harps in January.

Rogers said: “Tim has been outstanding. He has played a lot of games with a lot of pain. He wants to play.

“It was at a level of pain that he could withhold, but we sat down after the Cobh Ramblers game and we said about seeing a specialist, getting a scan and if it does mean he’s back for pre-season then so be it. We’ll look after him and keep him in a good place.”

Rory Kelly played in the wins over Kilbarrack and Kerry FC, but the Buncrana man was absent for Friday’s 2-2 draw with Galway United as he was away on business. Kelly’s absence was known in advance of his return to Harps, but will be back in contention for Monday’s trip to Athlone Town.

Antonio Tuta, a Croatian ‘keeper, arrived in Ballybofey on Wednesday night and made his debut against Galway.

Roger said: “We identified him about eight or ten weeks ago. He has only had one training session with the players. Fair play to him, he has come in and done well. It is always difficult when you come to a new country, a new environment and a new style of play. He is a great guy and he really wants to be there.”