Michael Carton has reportedly left Dublin hurling panel

Veteran defender was unused substitute during Saturday’s victory over Laois

Dublin’s Michael Carton: he is not expected to travel to Semple stadium this Saturday. Photograph: INPHO/Cathal Noonan

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.

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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).

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey

Gavin Cummiskey is The Irish Times' Soccer Correspondent