Thumb injury sidelines Clare's McInerney

Experienced centre-back James McInerney will be missing from the Clare team when they take on Kilkenny in Sunday's Allianz Hurling League Division 1 semi-final.

McInerney had quite an influence during Clare's five-match winning streak in Division 1B and their subsequent win over Limerick in the divisional decider.

He broke his thumb last weekend and had to undergo surgery on the injury on Saturday. With his damaged hand still in plaster, the defender has been ruled out of the Thurles clash with the Cats.

Pat O'Connor could move across from his wing back slot to man the centre-back berth, with Sixmilebridge youngster Seadna Morey, who is improving with each senior outing, standing by to be promoted from the bench.

However, Morey's participation is in some doubt as the Clare Under-21 Hurling Championship semi-final replay between Sixmilebridge and Kilmaley has been fixed for Friday evening - less than 48 hours before the Kilkenny match.

Davy Fitzgerald is also monitoring the progress of corner forward Colin Ryan who has picked up a knock. He will undergo a fitness test later this week.