Codd in fitness battle

Wexford’s star attacker Paul Codd is facing a race against time to prove his fitness for next Sunday’s Leinster senior hurling semi-final showdown in Thurles against Dublin.

Codd pulled up in training last week with a twisted knee.

Since the injury he has been undergoing intensive treatment but has not trained with the squad in the last seven days.

The team management are keeping their fingers crossed that Codd will prove his fitness to enable him be considered for selection.

Already with defender David "Doc" O’Connor ruled out, the team can ill-afford a further setback, particularly with both Adrian Fenlon and Nicky Lambert struggling to recover from broken fingers in time to push for a place in the side.

O’Connor, one of the young stars of last years championship, will be a huge loss to the side.

His absence creates a vacancy at left full-back which is now likely to go to Rory Mallon.

Mallon played in the position during last year’s championship but had figured in midfield during the league campaign.

However Dempsey is keeping his fingers crossed that Codd will be available for the game.

"We are more hopeful than confident at the moment. He is undergoing intensive treatment, but his progress has been slow, which is disappointing."