Murphy doubtful for Wexford

Wexford captain David Murphy has emerged as an injury concern for his side's All-Ireland SFC fourth round qualifier against Limerick next Saturday.

A dual player, Murphy injured his back playing an Intermediate Hurling Championship match for his club St. Mary's against Liam Mellows last Thursday.

He had to sit out the Wexford footballers' training session yesterday morning, as he continues to receive treatment for the injury.

The centre-back will be given as much time as possible to prove his fitness, with manager Jason Ryan awaiting the latest report on his progress.

Murphy has undergone a cryotherapy session at Whites Hotel in Wexford in a bid to speed up his recovery.

Meanwhile, Limerick boss Maurice Horan has his own injury worries ahead of the clash in Portlaoise (throw-in 7pm).

Midfielder Jim Donovan has been nursing a back problem and missed the 0-14 to 0-9 home victory over Waterford.

Corner back Tommy Stack limped off with a hamstring injury during the first half of the game, while Seamus O'Carroll, who scored two points from full-forward, was replaced late on due to cramp.

"We could have played Jim Donovan for 10 or 12 minutes today. But that's about it," admitted Horan, following the Shannonsiders' first back-to-back qualifier wins since 2002.

"He has just come back into training for our last couple of sessions basically. He is still not the old Jim Donovan, not as mobile as normal. Hopefully he will still be an asset for us the next day.

"With Tommy Stack, he has a very stiff hamstring. We don't know if it's a pull or a tear. It usually takes 72 hours by the time you know with those kinds of injuries."

Horan's charges beat Wexford by 2-12 to 0-14 when the sides met in the Allianz Football League in April, but the Championship offers a much stiffer test.

"Wexford are a step up. You saw that in the Leinster final (against Dublin), how close they were. They will be out to prove something," he added.

"I'm sure Jason Ryan was here to watch us play Waterford and he's one manager who does his homework very thoroughly."