Anthony Daly has some bad news for Dublin hurling fans

Ahead of their clash with Clare on Saturday, Dublin boss Anthony Daly has revealed that one of his stars won’t be fully fit.

The meeting of Clare and Dublin on Saturday is being framed as the clash of Davy and Daly. New Banner boss Fitz will come up against former Clare chief Anthony and how the two former team-mates interact on the sideline will be intriguing.

But the action on the pitch should be even more intense and defeat for either team, ending their summer, is unthinkable for two sides who promise much. However, there is bad news for Dubs fans, as Daly revealed today that Conal Keaney won’t be fit.

The star forward missed most of the last 12 months through injury and he only lasted 15 minutes against Kilkenny in the Leinster semi-final before a hamstring strain saw him leave the field.

Daly tells today’s Irish Daily Star: “The two big doubts are Conal and Conor McCormack – who picked up a dead leg on Saturday. Conal is probably out but we will give him as long as we can."

And the impact the presence of Keaney can have was highlighted by Daly too.

“Some of the lads spoke about seeing Conal going off (against Kilkenny) at a stage when we were going pretty well. Having spoken to them, some of them felt that it did affect them a bit,” he said.

“If he’s available for even 10 minutes we will slot him into the 26. It would be a shame to see his Championship end on Saturday.”

Daly also admitted that Paul Schutte might not be fully fit but there was some good news as Joey Boland and Ryan O’Dwyer will be ready for action.

It sounds like Keaney will be on the bench and only called on if required. Daly will hope that by the time it gets to the final 10 minutes they won't need him but we expect this game to be very close. Keaney, one way or the other, could be the difference.