IF he was just a normal player, DJ Carey's role in next Sunday's televised Guinness Leinster senior hurling championship quarter final engagement with Wexford at Croke Park would almost certainly be confined to that of mere spectator.
But the Kilkenny sharpshooter who has not trained for the past five weeks and is still receiving treatment for a hamstring injury is considered such an integral part of the side's quest for victory that manager Nicky Brennan may be willing to gamble on Carey's fitness.
"DJ is one of the few guys your would consider playing, even if not fully fit," admitted Brennan. "We won't make any decision until later in the week, but if there is any possible way he can play he will. I'd be more inclined to start him too, because it could effectively cost you men by putting him on as a Carey's injury is the one causing most concern in the Kilkenny camp, although team captain Michael Phelan and Willie O'Connor are also on the casualty list. And Denis Byrne (broken finger) and Pat Farrell (cruciate ligament) were lost to the cause some weeks ago.
"The injuries have been a nuisance, upsetting our preparations somewhat. We've gone through a bad patch, but we have to stop feeling sorry for ourselves and focus on Sunday's game," said Brennan.
"As far as this game is concerned, Wexford will be viewing it as their All Ireland and so will we the losers, after all, can join Cork on an early holiday. Wexford must feel the gods have to look on them favourably at some stage, they are entitled to a bit of luck. And if they are ever going to raise their game, it will be for a match with us. It will be tough," added Brennan.
Wexford have also endured a tough time on the injuries front. John O'Connor, who sustained a broken bone in his hand in the National League semi final defeat to Galway last month, and Tom Dempsey, struggling with a hamstring injury, are the two major concerns. However, it is considered unlikely that O'Connor, especially, will make it.
"We learnt a good deal from that League match with Galway," said Wexford boss Liam Griffin. "For starters, we didn't have enough physical presence. But we decided to let the team which had played throughout the campaign run its course and, since then, things have gone well in training."
The expectation is that Damien Fitzhenry, who was utilised as an outfield player, will return to his customary place as goalkeeper for Sunday's provincial quarter final, while a place is also expected to be found for experienced campaigner George O'Connor.
Will Wexford gain any encouragement from Limerick's win over Cork? "To be honest, I expected Limerick to win. I wasn't a bit surprised. We beat Cork pretty comprehensively in a challenge match recently and I was also very impressed with Limerick in Division Two of the League," said Griffin.
"We have been preparing for
Sunday's match with Kilkenny and fully realise the challenge ahead of us. It will be tough. But we're looking forward to it," he added.
Defending Leinster champions Offaly, meanwhile, will have a full squad available for the other quarter final clash against Meath at GAA headquarters on Sunday. Brian Whelehan, Johnny Dooley and Johnny Pilkington have all recovered from injury and are expected to play.
. Mayo have been forced to plan without Seamus Horan for their Connacht senior football championship meeting with London at Ruislip on Sunday. Horan was sent off in a club match last weekend and automatically misses the match with London, who are celebrating their centenary.
Veteran defender Dermot Flanagan, John Madden and Fergal Costello are all battling to overcome injuries, and the Mayo selectors have deferred naming their side until Thursday night.
Meanwhile, the Connacht Council has confirmed that the replay of the Galway Sligo senior football championship match will take place at Tuam on Sunday week.
Galway manager Bosco McDermott is confident that centre half back Damien Mitchell will be available after missing last Sunday's drawn match due to injury, while Val Daly and Kevin Walsh may also be available.
Sligo full back Paul Lyons sustained a "twisted back" in Sunday's match and Paul Durcan also picked up an injury. The pair will receive treatment in the hope of recovering in time.
