Cian O'Connor has returned to the Cork hurling squad after a two-month injury lay-off. The versatile star missed the Munster SHC semi-final defeat to Tipperary after damaging medial knee ligaments while playing club football with Erin's Own. But he returned to club action with Killeagh last weekend and rejoined the county squad on Monday. "It's a boost to have Cian back," said Cork selector Martin Bowen. "He's a versatile player who can play in the backs, midfield or forwards and we will work on his fitness to get him back up to speed." Bowen expects Cork to be at full strength for their All-Ireland qualifier against Dublin on Saturday week, and dismissed reports that Niall McCarthy had quit the panel after missing training on Monday night. "There's no truth in those rumours, good, bad or indifferent. Niall trained with us last Tuesday and with his club last Thursday night. He also played with his club at the weekend." Tweet

Most Read Stories