Canning a major doubt for Kilkenny test

Date Published: 16-Jun-2009

CLINICAL sharpshooter Joe Canning is a major injury concern for Galway ahead of their Leinster semi-final showdown with Kilkenny in Tullamore this Saturday (7pm).

Suffering from a recurring groin injury, the Portumna forward and current All-Star must undergo a fitness test later on in the week to determine if he will be able to stand up to the rigours of a sure to be physical and bruising battle against the reigning All-Ireland champions.

Adding to the Galway management’s woes, they are also anxiously waiting on the fitness of Canning’s Portumna teammate Andy Smyth, who has picked up an infection in his leg following an injury sustained by that reckless pull by James Young of Laois in their Leinster Championship opener a fortnight ago – and on that of Clarinbridge’s Alan Kerins.

A fully fit Smyth would surely have been odds on to retain his midfield berth, but with the stakes so high against Kilkenny, Galway boss John McIntyre may not wish to take a gamble on him in such a pivotal position.

Kerins, who is suffering from an ankle injury, looked to be coming into a rich vein of form, having hit
2-3 from play in Clarinbridge’s recent championship clash against Kinvara.

He is also …