Cronin looks set for call-up

CORK will delay naming a replacement for Derek Kavanagh until later in the week, with clubmate Martin Cronin favourite to partner Nicholas Murphy at centrefield.

Kavanagh expects to be out of action for up to three weeks after falling heavily on his ankle in training on Tuesday - after the team announcement had been made.

“Luckily, there was nothing broken, but it’s out like a balloon,’’ said Kavanagh yesterday after an x-ray.

“Naturally, it’s very disappointing. I went to hospital after it happened but it only kicked in the following morning that I’m missing an All-Ireland semi-final. But, these things happen.”

Manager Billy Morgan said it was ‘sickening’ that they should lose one of their key players but remained philosophical about his loss. “We will just have to get on with it. We can’t be feeling sorry for ourselves,” he commented.

Morgan indicated that the management won’t decide on his replacement until later in the week.

Kavanagh, meanwhile, believes that Cork are good enough to make it to the final. “We have plenty on the line to come in. I think we have a very good chance of winning, but at the same time Kerry are probably the best team in the country.

“We will have to play very well if we are to win, but I feel that we can use Croke Park to our benefit. We’ll be fit and fast. I think we can catch Kerry that way!”