Canty out for one month with hamstring injury

NEWS ROUND-UP:GRAHAM CANTY is likely to be out of action for the next month having pulled his hamstring during Cork's exciting draw with Kildare on Sunday. The Cork captain had to be replaced early in the second half and was limping noticeably as he made his way out of the dressingroom afterwards.

The early prognosis is that the injury is not a major one however, although it is likely to rule the Bantry man out of Cork’s next two Division Two ties against Fermanagh and Laois.

“It’s a slight strain,” Canty confirmed. “I’d say I’ll be out for about three or four weeks.”

While Canty’s loss will be keenly felt, Paudie Kissane impressed when introduced while Ger Spillane flourished at centre-back.

Indeed Cork manager Conor Counihan had reason to be pleased with the performances of all his substitutes, with Paul Kerrigan and Kevin O’Sullivan scoring the last two points to snatch the draw.

All of this means there is major competition for places on the squad, not to mind the team and that is exactly what Counihan is looking for. “We got a bit of fresh impetus from the two Pauls [O’Flynn and Kerrigan] especially and it worked for us on this occasion. We’re looking at everyone all the time,” he said.

* It appears that while the Kerry senior hurlers may be struggling on the field, behind the scenes no stone is being left unturned by Mossie Carroll or by the county board to encourage the team. They enlisted the help of Kilkenny manager Brian Cody last weekend to address the Kerry players just hours before they played Carlow.

New Kerry boss Carroll has been trying to get the Kerry hurlers committed to the jersey after months with some of the squad showing very little interest, so much so that last year’s manager Pat Heffernan walked away.

During Cody’s pep talk, he emphasised there is no magic formula that will guarantee success, but rather is it up to every individual to strive to be the best they can be.

He also reminded the Kerry players of the importance of honesty and work rate.