Canning hopeful of playing against Westmeath

Joe Canning reckons he could be passed fit for Galway's Leinster SHC quarter-final against Westmeath in Mullingar on Saturday week.

The Portumna star aggravated a hamstring injury when lining out in a club game last Friday, but is on course to make the Tribesmen's Championship opener.

Canning has endured a frustrating 2011 to date, making just one appearance against Waterford in the Allianz Hurling League due to a heel injury.

"It is a thing that was frustrating over the last couple of months and it is good to be back now," admitted Canning at today's launch of the Bord Gáis Energy All-Ireland Under-21 Hurling Championship.

"It's just a bit stiff, a bit tight. It will be okay hopefully in a couple of days. It's just rest and stuff like that (that I need).

"It is always nice to get back into the Championship. It comes around very quickly and hopefully we get a good performance on Saturday week."

The Galway squad was littered with injuries during their league campaign, but Canning says that the players that were available gave their all.

"We had a good few injuries during the league but the other guys did very well," said the 22-year-old.

"We are looking to build on that and train hard for the next few weeks and get a good performance against Westmeath."

Given the fears over his hamstring Galway manager John McIntyre may decide to hold Canning back for a potential Leinster semi-final clash with Dublin or Offaly on Saturday, June 18.

Whether he plays or not, Canning know that Westmeath, with a win already under their belt, will not simply roll over at Cusack Park this weekend.

"I wouldn't say it is a game for easing ourselves into the Championship. It will be a really tough game.

"Nobody gave Westmeath a chance against Carlow last week and they came out on top. It will be very tough for us, especially to have to go down to Mullingar and get a win."