Westmeath have received a welcome boost with news that the injury sustained by Paul Bannon on Sunday isn't as serious as originally feared. Lake County boss Tomas O'Flatharta is already without Martin Flanagan, while David Duffy and David O'Shaughnessy are only on their way back. Thus, an injury to Bannon would have left him with limited options in the midfield department for the remainder of the league. Bannon, however, will be available for the mid-February trip to holders Derry, as the men in maroon try to make up lost ground, having been beaten in their first-round clash with neighbours Galway. Athlone clubman Bannon had x-rays on his leg after being carried from the field at Cusack Park two minutes into the second half. But the tests came up clear and he has been given the ok to play on. Tweet

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