Sherlock doubtful for Louth game

JASON SHERLOCK is extremely doubtful for Dublin's Leinster senior football championship match against Louth next Sunday.

Sherlock, who came on as a substitute in Dublin's opening championship game against Westmeath, sustained a leg muscle injury in training last Thursday evening and aggravated the damage while training on Saturday.

Dublin manager Mickey Whelan is not very optimistic of Sherlock's chances of being fit. "At this stage he has less than a 50-50 chance of being fit in time," he said.

Better news for Dublin is that Paul Clarke will be eligible for next Sunday following a hearing of the Dublin County Board's disciplinary committee last night. Clarke, on the evidence of the referee's report was given a two-week ban dating from the club match in which he was sent off. This means that his suspension expired at midnight last night.

Another player in a race to be fit is Limerick hurler Damien Quigley, whose chances of figuring in Sunday week's Munster final against Tipperary may be known today when the plaster is removed from his broken thumb. Quigley broke the finger in the first round against Cork.

Manager Tom Ryan yesterday identified the loss that Quigley proved to be against Clare in the semi-final. "Damien was always going to be a big loss against Clare and the reality in that match was that, because of his absence, we took quite some time to find our rhythm in attack."

Quigley will have physiotherapy treatment throughout this week and next. "We will have a look at him in training towards the end of the week. We will not be naming the team until next Monday anyway, so there is a bit of time. Playing in a Munster final you need all the options you can possibly secure," said Ryan.

Tyrone's Fergal Logan, who had been out with a knee injury, comes back into contention for a place "on the bench at least " according to joint manager Art McRory for Sunday's Ulster football semi-final against Derry. Aidan Morris has recovered well from a sprained ankle which he picked up against Fermanagh in the quarter-final in Omagh and will be available for consideration when the team is chosen this evening.

Gary McGill, the Derry forward, will be wearing a face mask to protect his jaw injury on Sunday. He is likely to be named for a place on the bench.