Lorcan McLoughlin set for Cork return in late summer

Lorcán McLoughlin’s collarbone injury is not expected to rule him out for the rest of the year as had been feared.

The Cork defender incurred the damage lining out for Kanturk in the intermediate championship defeat to Castlelyons on Sunday and while he is ruled out of the Munster SHC semi-final against Waterford on June 7, sources say he is likely to be back in training by the end of next month.

The 25-year-old is expected to undergo intense rehab to ensure he is available for further championship outings.

After the loss of Christopher Joyce to a cruciate injury in March, McLoughlin’s absence from the Cork defence will be keenly felt.

However, Waterford have their own injury difficulties in attack as, on top of Pauric Mahony’s season-ending broken shin-bone, Maurice Shanahan is considered a doubt for the clash with Cork in Thurles.

The Lismore man suffered significant bruising to a knee in Sunday’s second round clash with Cappoquin and had to be replaced after 29 minutes.

Scans showed no cruciate or medial ligament damage but management is concerned about the amount of bruising Shanahan has around the joint.

Waterford manager Derek McGrath said: “He would have to be rated at best 50-50 for the Cork game. A cruciate has been ruled out thankfully.”

McGrath also confirmed the 24-year-old will take no part in training or matches in the build-up to the game so as to allow the injury to heal.

Shanahan will receive treatment from the Waterford medical team over the coming weeks and undergo further scans when the swelling eases.

Shanahan would be a significant loss as he is one of the main candidates to succeed Mahony as primary free-taker.

Meanwhile, fellow forward Colin Dunford required six stitches to his right eye following a blow in an U21 challenge against Limerick on Monday night but will have them removed on Friday.