Wexford pair out of Croker clash

Wexford duo Aindreas Doyle and Andrew Shore will miss Sunday’s Leinster SFC quarter-final with Longford at Croke Park.

Doyle, who missed the Division 3 league final defeat to Longford with a hamstring injury, aggravated the problem when playing for Parnell’s in the Dublin SFC. Shore damaged his knee and ankle during a Sunday training session and is facing a six-week lay-off.

Shore’s absence will likely result in Rory Quinlivan resuming his midfield partnership with Daithi Waters, while Robert Tierney should retain his corner-back berth in Doyle’s absence.

Attacker Paddy Byrne is also a concern having injured his knee in a challenge game with Fermanagh.

Despite the injuries, manager Jason Ryan is positive about Sunday’s game.

He said: “We’ve had very good preparation while we’ll be hoping to improve in areas which were exposed in the league final. We learned a lot from the defeat, certain things did not come up to scratch, but we’ve worked on them.

“While the injuries are a blow we’ve strength in depth. For championship football one has got to be always ready for such setbacks. We’re confident and we’re ready to meet the challenge.”