ESSENDON defender Conor McKenna is out of the Virgin Australia International Rules Series and could have a disrupted start to the pre-season after suffering an ankle injury.

McKenna hurt his ankle while training in Ireland with his Irish teammates last Friday, and he has been ruled out of the two-Test series with Australia.

Essendon's general manager of football Rob Kerr told essendonfc.com.au that McKenna might miss the start of pre-season training.

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"There may be some disruption to the early part of his pre-season, but we expect he'll join in full training fairly quickly," Kerr said.

"It's obviously disappointing for Conor because he was really looking forward to representing Ireland in the International Rules Series.

"He hurt his ankle at training last Friday and has seen a specialist in Ireland who has placed him in a walker boot. 

"Once he is out of the boot, he will return to Australia to progress his rehabilitation."

McKenna's injury denies him the opportunity to get one over Bombers teammates Brendon Goddard and Zach Merrett, both of whom are in the Australian squad.

The 21-year-old became a valuable contributor for the Bombers this season across half-back, playing 19 games, taking his career tally to 33 games.

McKenna committed his future to the Bombers when he signed a four-year contract extension until the end of 2021.