Canning a doubt for Galway’s replay after injuring hand

JOE CANNING has emerged a doubt for Galway’s Leinster semi-final replay against Offaly next Saturday after suffering a hand injury in the drawn match.

But the Galway camp are breathing a sigh of relief after initial fears that the sharpshooter had broken a bone in his hand were dispelled.

However, Canning has severe bruising on his hand and Galway boss John McIntyre faces an anxious wait on his availability. Canning’s older brother Ollie is troubled by a hamstring injury while midfielder David Burke and wing-forward Damien Hayes are nursing shoulder and knee injuries respectively but are expected to be available. Wing-forward Andy Smith, who missed the drawn match through suspension, will be available for Saturday evening’s clash in Portlaoise.