Cloonan injured for Galway's' second-round qualifier

Experienced forward Eugene Cloonan has been ruled out of the Galway team for Saturday's All-Ireland SHC second round qualifier against Laois (Pearse Stadium, throw-in 3.30pm).

In the only change to the side that thumped Antrim last weekend, Cloonan's ankle injury means a return at full-forward for ace free-taker Ger Farragher.

While Farragher is included, teenage star Joe Canning will be hoping to display his free-taking skills again on Saturday in what will be his second championship outing.

The 19-year-old Portumna clubman scored 2-06 when debuting against Antrim and will be looking for more of the same in Salthill.

James Skehill, Cyril Donnellan and Canning, who all make their championship bows last week, have been retained by Galway manager Ger Loughnane.

This is the fourth championship meeting between Galway and Laois in as many years.

The Tribesmen have recorded three successive wins over the Leinster side - 2-22 to 2-11 in 2005, 7-18 to 2-13 in 2006 and 3-20 to 1-14 last year.

GALWAY (SHC v Laois) - J Skehill; D Joyce, F Moore, O Canning; S Kavanagh, J Lee, D Forde; A Cullinane, F Healy; A Kerins, C Donnellan, I Tannian; D Hayes, G Farragher, J Canning.