Shanahan out of Déise league campaign

MAURICE SHANAHAN will miss the rest of Waterford’s Allianz League campaign after breaking a finger.

The Lismore man incurred the injury during a training game between the seniors and U21s at Carriganore on Tuesday. The lay-off is expected to be four weeks and will rule the 20-year-old out of the ties against Kilkenny, Offaly and Galway.

Shanahan started at left-corner forward in the win against Cork and had impressed when coming on as a substitute against Wexford in the previous game.

Meanwhile, there is growing speculation evergreen Tony Browne will make his full start of the season against Kilkenny on Sunday. The Mount Sion man, 38 in July, recently announced his decision to commit to Waterford for a 20th season. Selectors Pat Bennett and Pauric Fanning will take over sideline duties from Davy Fitzgerald in Nowlan Park on Sunday as the manager enters the second week of his one-month suspension.

Elsewhere the inter-county future of Martin Comerford is uncertain as the Kilkenny management have yet to approach him about returning to the panel. Comerford (32) was involved in O’Loughlin Gaels’ All-Ireland club final defeat to Clarinbridge on St Patrick’s Day.

But Kilkenny selector Martin Fogarty confirmed they haven’t contacted him for the time being.

“I’m not sure about when he’ll be back, to be honest,” said Fogarty. “We haven’t gone near him.”

None of the Gaels’ players have returned to training although it is anticipated the club will confirm Brian Hogan as Kilkenny senior hurling captain before the weekend. Team management and club officials are set to nominate the centre-back for the end of the Allianz League and forthcoming championship.

Prior to the All-Ireland club final, Cats manager Brian Cody had earmarked Hogan, Comerford, Mark Bergin, Andy Kearns and Maurice Nolan for call-ups.

In the wake of the heavy defeat to Clarinbridge, Cody is reassessing his options. Jackie Tyrrell is Kilkenny’s only fresh injury worry as he is ruled out with a hamstring problem.

“It’s not a major issue but it hasn’t cleared up yet,” said Fogarty.

Finally Lucan Sarsfields’ Johnny McCaffrey has been named as Dublin captain for the season after the previous incumbent Stephen Hiney was sidelined for the year with a knee injury. The midfielder is expected to lead the Blues in Sunday’s top-of-the-table clash with Galway at Parnell Park.