Murphy resumes training with Waterford

Experienced corner back Eoin Murphy has returned to training with the Waterford senior hurlers ahead of next week's Munster SHC final.

But the 2006 All-Star, who fractured his skull in April, is not in contention to face Tipperary in the provincial decider.

Waterford manager Davy Fitzgerald told the Irish Examiner: "Eoin was back with us on Sunday. At the moment, he's taking things easy and all he's doing is a bit of light jogging. But hopefully it won't be too long before he'll be able to take a full part in training.

"With the Munster final less than two weeks away, Eoin hasn't a hope of being involved in that game. But he's heading in the right direction and hopefully he will be available for whatever match, or matches, we'll have for the rest of the Championship."

Murphy suffered a serious head injury while playing for his club Shamrocks against Abbeyside in Cappoquin two months ago.

Despite wearing a helmet, the 32-year-old was left unconscious by an accidental blow from a hurley. Scans showed a fracture but after initial bleeding and a bout of severe headaches, he was given the all-clear.

Meanwhile, young defender Wayne Hutchinson is still hoping to feature in the Munster final, despite breaking a bone in his hand during a club game with Ballygunner earlier this month.

Liam Lawlor and Richie Foley have both been nursing ankle injuries of late, with Lawlor recently returning to light training. Foley was a late withdrawal from the team to face Limerick last time out.

Fitzgerald continued: "We still have hope that Wayne will be available for the Munster final. His hand is in plaster but he's due to have it taken off towards the end of this week or early next week. We'll have a look at Wayne's hand then and see if he can be part of our plans for the Tipp game.

"Richie was only taking frees, but unfortunately he stood on a ball and did the damage to his ankle."