Michael Carton has reportedly left Dublin hurling panel

Michael Carton has reportedly left Ger Cunningham's Dublin hurling panel just days before the All-Ireland qualifier against Limerick.

The veteran defender was an unused substitute during Saturday’s victory over Laois in O’Moore Park as Cunningham named under-21 Cian O’Callaghan at fullback.

Carton was also benched for the Leinster semi-final draw with Galway on May 31st, but came in for the injured Peter Kelly.

The 30-year-old was retained on the square’s edge, marking Joe Canning, for the replay as Dublin were trashed 5-19 to 1-18. Canning scored 2-3, with Carton eventually replaced by former captain Johnny McCaffrey.

O’Callaghan was shifted to number three with Niall Corcoran at right corner back against Laois. Along with the excellent Paul Schutte, Dublin’s last line denied Laois any goal opportunities in a relatively comfortable 4-17 to 0-19 victory to earn a trip to Semple stadium this Saturday.

Carton, a fireman by profession, is not expected to travel despite Kelly’s continued absence (hamstring tear).