GAA: Ruth winning fitness battle for Wexford

Declan Ruth is winning his fitness battle to be ready for next Sunday’s Guinness All-Ireland senior hurling semi-final.

Ruth,who only passed a late fitness test to take his place in the semi-final, but was forced to retire with a recurring hamstring problem midway through the second-half, now has every chance of taking the right half-back position.

The Wexford defender took part in some hurling practice at the squads final session on Wednesday evening, but did not participate in any speed work.

"Declan has been undergoing intensive treatment since the semi-final and is making very steady progress," said Wexford manager Tony Dempsey.

"He’ll undergo a further stringent test on Saturday to prove he is one hundred per cent fit.

"He’ll only play if fully fit, but I’m confident at this stage that he will come through," said Dempsey.

This would leave Dempsey with the same fifteen players which gained that dramatic late victory over Limerick which is a vote of confidence to the players in itself.

Meanwhile Dempsey has ruled out rumours of a possible return of ’96 winning captain, Martin Storey.

"Martin helped us out with the 'B' squad while Tom Dempsey played with the 'B' squad on Monday afternoon. One could assume then that Tom will also make an appearance against Tipperary."