Canty on course to make final

Cork boss Conor Counihan has reported a clean bill of health ahead of the GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship final clash with Down on Sunday week.

Cork captain Graham captain is expected to overcome a hamstring injury to take his place in the Rebels’ defence.

Canty suffered a recurrence of the injury in the semi-final defeat of Dublin, in which he was forced off at half-time, and was considered a major doubt for the September 19 decider. 

Manager Conor Counihan, speaking at the Cork press night on Thursday, said he was confident the 30-year-old Bantry Blues man will be fit to face the Mourne County.

“We would be fairly optimistic on that one,” said Counihan.

Canty himself said he was hoping to take a full part in training this weekend.  

"Yeah, the injury has come on very well in the last couple of weeks, hopefully I’ll take part in full training this weekend with a view to being available for selection," he said. 

Veteran defender Anthony Lynch is also in line to return for the Rebels, having missed the entire season with a groin injury.

Lynch, who has played in All-Ireland finals in 1999, 2007 and ’09, has been training on his own in recent weeks and has come back into the frame for a place in the Cork defence.

“Anthony seems to be going in the right direction as well and we will know more about him at the weekend,” Counihan added.

Fintan Goold, meanwhile, has overcome an ankle injury he sustained in training last week.