TIPPERARY HURLER Hugh Maloney will discover the full extent of the damage to his left shoulder when he visits a Dublin specialist today.

Team physiotherapist John Casey has arranged for Maloney to visit the Santry Sports Clinic after the player was forced off after just 10 minutes against Galway in last Sunday's National League clash.

Manager Liam Sheedy decided to experiment with the Nenagh Éire Óg player in the unfamiliar centre forward position after Maloney showed up well there in training. But his return to the starting line-up was cut short as he damaged the AC joint.

Maloney confirmed he suffered torn ligaments but X-rays taken on Sunday evening when he returned home to Nenagh revealed no broken bone.

The injury is a blow to Maloney, who is only back on the Tipperary panel for the last month following a stint in Australia.

Meanwhile, Brian McGuigan has made his long-awaited return to action. The Tyrone forward hasn't played for the county in two years but made an appearance as a replacement at the weekend in his club Ardboe's Ulster Senior League clash with Down opponents Clonduff.

Tyrone manager Mickey Harte hopes to have his double All-Ireland-winning centre forward available for this weekend's crucial NFL Division One clash with Laois at Omagh.

McGuigan has been given the go-ahead by doctors to resume his playing career after recovering from a serious eye injury.

Finally, Limerick hurlers have received the good news that centre back Brian Geary has returned to light training as he steps up his recovery from cruciate knee ligament damage.

The Monaleen clubman, an All Star nominee last year, returned to county training last week and has taken the first tentative steps on the road back by running in straight lines.

Geary has targeted the Munster semi-final clash with Clare or Waterford on June 22nd for his competitive return.