Bastick banned for Leinster semi-final

A two-week suspension has ruled young midfielder Denis Bastick out of the Dublin squad for Sunday's Leinster SFC semi-final against Laois (Croke Park, throw-in 2pm).

Bastick earned his third double-yellow card dismissal of the season when he was sent off for the Dublin junior team against Louth in last week's Leinster JFC semi-final.

It was originally thought that he would be available for the senior game this weekend as he had already served a one-match ban against Fermanagh in the National League. He was also red carded against both Tyrone and Cork during the League.

But a clarification on the rule means that the Templeogue Synge St. clubman is unavailable for bench duty for Paul Caffrey's side.

His sidelining means Dublin are desperately short of cover for midfielders Ciaran Whelan and Shane Ryan for the showdown with Laois. Kilmacud Crokes centre-fielder Darren Magee is two weeks short of match fitness as he recovers from a broken bone in his wrist. He had the cast on his hand removed on Wednesday afternoon.