Sunday’s Leinster Semi Final Looks To Have Come Too Early For Rock, Murchan And Cooper
Dean Rock, Eoin Murchan and Jonny Copper are expected to be missing for this Sunday’s Leinster semi final against Kildare due to injury.
The trio of players missed Dublin’s opening game against Louth and it looks like this weekend’s game has come too soon as they work their way back to fitness.
Dean Rock is suffering from a hamstring injury, Eoin Murchan missed the last day due to illness, but since the comprehensive win over Louth he has picked up a soft tissue injury.
His Na Fianna team mate Jonny Cooper suffered an ankle injury and although the severity of the injury is unknown it’s likely to keep him out for another couple of weeks.
Missing two key defenders and a key forward and main free taker would scupper most teams, but not Dublin as once again they demonstrated the strength in depth against Louth.
Cormac Costello took over the free taking duties against the Wee County and proved he is more than an able replacement converting 10 frees and one 45’.
There were no struggles either in the Dublin defence without Cooper and Murchan with David Byrne and Michael Fitzsimons putting in commanding shifts.
The introduction of Philly McMahon and Rory O’Carroll in the second half was another indication of the defensive cover in the squad available to Jim Gavin.
At the other end of the pitch there is still no news on whether Paddy Andrews who hasn’t played since suffering a broken jaw in March against Tyrone will be available for selection.
The team selection for this weekend’s game will be interesting, Fitzsimons and Byrne didn’t put a foot wrong against Louth and deserve to keep their places on the starting team.
But both Philly McMahon who missed all of the National League campaign bar a fleeting second half substitute appearance against Cavan and Rory O’Carroll who has just returned to the panel could both do with some game time in their legs and with that in mind Gavin may decide to throw them in from the start against Kildare.
