Team Check: O'Connor to get all-clear

Clare SH

Clare forward James O'Connor is expected to shake off the knock he picked up in Sunday evening's challenge against Kilkenny. O'Connor was withdrawn with a slight concussion after an accidental clash with Michael Kavanagh. Clare named a strong team for that friendly in Gowran, as they prepare for the eagerly awaited Munster championship tie against Tipperary on Sunday week.

Cork SH

Although manager Jimmy Barry-Murphy hopes to announce his team to face Limerick this evening, the All-Ireland champions' preparations have been upset by three injuries. Midfielder Mark Landers is undergoing treatment for a hamstring problem while renowned defender John Browne has a leg injury. The other concern is attacker Ben O'Connor, who has also been waylaid with a leg strain.

Limerick SH

Although the Limerick team to face All-Ireland champions Cork may be available this evening, manager Eamonn Cregan faces an anxious wait to see if two key players will be passed fit. Brian Begley, a revelation at full forward thus far, has been struck by a hamstring injury and Jack Foley, the pacy half back, broke a bone in his hand in the league semi-final against Tipperary. The fracture has repaired considerably since then but there are doubts whether he will be available for selection.

Laois SH

All the first 15 came through Sunday's draw against Dublin unscathed. John O'Sullivan, who came on as a substitute only to be forced off again, is again doubtful because of that leg injury.

Armagh SF

Ulster champions Armagh have reported a clean bill of health and are expected to announce their side to face Tyrone this evening. One of the players likely to make his Ulster championship debut is Stephen McDonnell, who impressed during Armagh's dismal league campaign.

Laois SF

Laois expect to have finalised their team to face Westmeath by tomorrow. No injury worries but Brian McDonald remains out of contention since breaking his leg in the league game against Carlow.

Meath SF

Meath manager Sean Boylan may be in a position this evening after training to finalise his side to play Offaly. There are positive signs that All-Star defender Mark O'Reilly, who badly bruised his arm in the National League final replay against Derry, will be deemed fit enough to take his place in the starting line-up.

Roscommon SF

The league semi-finalists depart for London on Saturday morning but their preparation for their opening Connacht championship game has been dominated by an injury list. Derek Duggan is still recovering after damaging a hand in a club game for Garda earlier in the month. Enon Gavin is out for the season, having picked up a cruciate ligament tear in a challenge match against Armagh.

Fergal O'Donnell is still feeling the effects of a shoulder strain he received during the league semi-final defeat by Derry. Stephen Lohan was forced to undergo a knee operation following the team's last regular league game against Donegal and his recovery has been steady while Sean Casey is battling to shake off a hamstring problem. Manager Gay Sheerin hopes to finalise his team today, however.

Sligo SF

Sligo are hopeful that injuries to a number of key players will have cleared up before Sunday week's Connacht football championship game against Mayo at Markievicz Park. Mark Cosgrove and Dessie Sloyane played in a challenge game against Donegal in Ballybofey last Sunday and showed no adverse effects afterwards. Sligo's disappointing form in challenge games continued with Donegal easy winners by 4-13 to 1-12.

Full back Nigel Clancy has only a slim chance of making the June 11th clash. He is still struggling with a shoulder injury. Tommy Brennan will miss the match because of injury.

Tyrone SF

Long-serving goalkeeper Finbar McConnell is almost certain to miss Tyrone's championship opener against Armagh. McConnell has partially recovered from the leg strain he picked up three weeks ago but his kick-out ability remains severely hampered. Also nursing a knock is Peter Canavan, who sat out Sunday's friendly against Kerry with a hand injury.

Other players with injuries are Kevin Hughes, Stephen O'Neill and Richard Thornton. However, joint manager Art McRory hopes to select from a full panel this evening.

Westmeath SF

The Westmeath team to face Laois on Sunday shows eight changes to the team which lost the corresponding fixture last year. Among the newcomers are Aidan Lennon in goal and David Mitchell at full back while Damien Gavin partners Rory O'Connell at centrefeld in the absence of David O'Shaughnessy.

WESTMEATH (SF): A Lennon; D Brady, D Mitchell, F Murray; D Healy, J Cooney, M Murtagh; R O'Connell, D Gavin, D Heavin, M Flanagan, D Dolan; J Fallon, P Conway, G Heavin.