Tony Browne, 1998's Players' Hurler of the Year, is set to miss Waterford's Munster Championship first round match against Limerick this Sunday. He attended Ardkeen hospital in Waterford yesterday to have an ankle injury X-rayed and reports later came back that he was heavily strapped and has been virtually ruled out of playing.
Team manager Gerald McCarthy said last night that no decision would be taken on a replacement until the end of the week. McCarthy, however, named Browne on the team and said he would be given every chance to recover. Browne will undertake a fitness test later in the week, although it is accepted that he is most unlikely to play.
The injury occurred on Sunday night at a training session when Browne went over on his ankle and in the words of acting county board PRO John Jackson it "was swollen up like a balloon".
Browne would be a severe loss for Waterford. The displays which earned him last year's accolade were instrumental in getting the county to the semi-finals of the All-Ireland championship.
Although favourites for this weekend's match with Limerick in Pairc Ui Chaoimh, Waterford would not be anywhere near as confident should they have to field without their influential centrefielder. However, should Waterford win on Sunday, the injury is considered unlikely to keep him out of the Munster semi-final against Cork.
Otherwise the team selected is along familiar lines. Thirteen of the side which contested the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny have been selected.
The two who haven't been picked are Sean Daly, who has left the panel, and Anthony Kirwan, who is currently injured, suffering from shin splints although he is named amongst the substitutes.
Billy O'Sullivan will line out at centre forward, while Waterford IT Fitzgibbon Cup star Dave Bennett is named in the left corner of the attack.
Leitrim name three debutants in their team to play Roscommon in the Connacht championship. James Phelan, Padraig Flynn and Philip McDermott will line out on Sunday, as will Colin McGlynn, a Connacht medallist from 1994, who hasn't played for the county since 1996.
Waterford (SH v Limerick) - B Landers; T Feeney, S Cullinane, B Flannery; P Queally, S Frampton, B Greene; F Hartley, T Browne; D Shanahan, B O'Sullivan, K McGrath; M White. P Flynn, D Bennett. Subs: S Brenner, J O'Connor, G Harris, P Walsh, T Fives, A Kirwan, B Browne, A Lennon, M Molumphy, S Cunningham.
Waterford (IH v Cork) - R Barry; N O'Donnell, O Dunphy, R O'Sullivan; G Breen, V O'Shea, E O'Sullivan; D Casey, C Fanning; P Power, B Henley, P Prendergast; N Dalton, S Prendergast, B Hannon.
Leitrim (SF v Roscommon) - G Phelan; J Phelan, S Quinn, D Kelleher; C Ryan, C Murray, P Flynn; P McDermott, J Ward; B Guckian, A Charles, C Carroll; A Rooney, C McGlynn, AN Other.
