Fennell an injury worry for Dubs’ clash with Tipp

MIDFIELDER Eamonn Fennell has emerged as a major injury doubt for Dublin ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC round two qualifier with Tipperary in Croke Park.

The O’Toole’s player has been hampered by a hip injury which has curtailed his involvement in training recently and is unlikely to be fit enough to retain his spot in midfield. Michael MacAuley is the most likely candidate to be drafted in to form a new central partnership with Ross McConnell. Veterans Bryan Cullen and Barry Cahill are thought to be under severe pressure to retain their spots in the half-back line, with Kevin Nolan and David Henry expected to step into the breach and claim starting places. There is also set be two changes to Dublin’s attack with corner men Conal Keaney and Tomás Quinn making way for Eoghan O’Gara and Kevin McManamon.

Limerick boss Justin McCarthy has a number of injury concerns ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland qualifier against Offaly. Paudie McNamara (emigration) and Sean Herlihy (suspension) are both ruled out, while full-back David Breen, wing-back Sean O’Riordan and full-forward Anthony Owens are all in a race to be fit. Des Kenny and David Lynch, who were regulars in the full-back line during the league are also carrying injuries and doubtful.