2012 Footballer of the Year, Karl Lacey is progressing well after it emerged that he's going to be sidelined for the first three months of next year.

The All Star wing-back had a hip operation over the weekend and has been told that he'll be out of action for 12-14 weeks.

The 28-year-old was named as footballer of the year in recognition of Donegal's All Ireland victory in September, but he'll now miss the bulk of their National League campaign, including their Croke Park clash with Kildare in the opening round.

Image by ©INPHO/James Crombie