Seamus Harnedy set for Cork return but Aidan Walsh ruled out

Cork hurling manager Kieran Kingston says forward Seamus Harnedy should resume his place for the Leesiders’ clash against Dublin this weekend, but Aidan Walsh will play no part in the game, having undergone facial surgery yesterday for an injury picked up against Waterford.

“Seamus should be ready,” said Kingston.

“He’ll train tonight, not fully, but touch wood we would expect him to be fit for Saturday night. It’d be a big plus for us if he is.

“Aidan (Walsh) won’t play. He was operated on yesterday and will miss the next two games at least. He had a bone depressed into his nose and it needed to be fixed.”

Kingston added: “Without overreacting, if a guy gets a belt that requires an operation, and we didn’t even get a free, that’s disappointing.

“We all make mistakes and I’d say if he looked back (referee) James Owens would probably admit he got that one wrong.

“Colm Spillane was operated on last Friday (for a cruciate injury) and he’s out for the year.

“It looked innocuous enough and we’re very disappointed for him. He’s 22, 23, was settling in well and had had a very good year with UCC. We saw him as an option for full-back, has all the attributes necessary and wants to play there, so we’re very disappointed for him — hopefully he’ll be back in the autumn.”

Cork will also miss Alan Cadogan, Shane O’Neill and Conor O’Sullivan for the trip to Croke Park.

“Alan is suspended for two games. Conor still has a groin problem and will be out for another couple of weeks. That injury hindered him last year as well, and even if it may not be as bad this year, he’ll miss another couple of games.

“Shane is unavailable this weekend with exams, so that makes three defenders we’ll be short this Saturday — him, Colm Spillane and Conor O’Sullivan — all from the full-back line.”

Kingston was speaking at RedFM, which has secured access to and reporting rights for all Cork GAA matches