GRAHAM Canty is not expected to feature against Dublin in the All-Ireland football semi-final on August 22nd following the hamstring injury the Cork captain sustained in last Sunday’s defeat of Connacht champions Roscommon.

It immediately looked like a torn hamstring when Canty fell to the turf clutching his leg after fisting a point on 56 minutes to give Cork the comfort of a 0-13 to 0-9 lead.

“We would never say never as Graham has always looked after himself but the medical report has him out for four weeks and with the Dublin match in less than three he must be rated as very doubtful,” said a Cork spokesman last night.

The loss of their versatile leader cannot be overstated as Canty started the All-Ireland quarter-final at centre back before switching to full back to mark Roscommon dangerman Donie Shine when Michael Shields was yellow-carded. As the game broke up, Canty began sauntering forward to provide the extra man in attack.

Providing Eoin Cadogan can continue to balance his dual role, or Cork lose Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final, he is expected to replace Canty, as a full back, with Shields moving to centre back.

Other options for manager Conor Counihan would be John Miskella and Ger Spillane.

Cork are more hopeful about full forward Ciarán Sheehan, who damaged cartilage in his knee and not ankle as initially reported.