Kelly a major injury worry for Waterford

EOIN Kelly has emerged as a serious doubt for Waterford hurlers ahead of tomorrow’s Munster final.

The Passage star has a foot infection, is on crutches and is now regarded as 50-50 ahead of the clash with Cork in Thurles (throw-in 4pm).

If Kelly can’t play it will be a major blow to Waterford’s chances, as he is the team’s regular free-taker and, accordingly, usually their top scorer.

It will also necessitate a selection readjustment on the part of Waterford boss Davy Fitzgerald, who is likely to start Seamus Prendergast, who impressed on his introduction in the semi-final against Clare.

Waterford already have injury worries concerning Richie Foley, Aidan Kearney and Tomas Ryan. Foley may be fit but it is unlikely that Kearney and Ryan will be able to take part.

Cork have a clean bill of health with the recovery of Tom Kenny, who has overcome a hamstring injury which kept him out of the Munster semi-final against Limerick, and Brian Murphy, who went off in that game with an injured knee.

WATERFORD (SHC possible): C. Hennessy; E. Murphy, L. Lawlor, N. Connors; T. Browne, M. Walsh, D. Prendergast; S O’Sullivan, R. Foley; E. Kelly (if fit), K. Moran; S. Prendergast; S. Molumphy, John Mullane, S. Walsh.