BOTH DUBLIN AND Mayo have big defensive injury worries before next Saturday’s All-Ireland semi-final replay at Croke Park.
Dublin’s Rory O’Carroll and Mayo’s Donal Vaughan were both forced off in the opening exchanges of yesterday’s draw.
O’Carroll suffered a blow to the head and after initially departing as a blood sub, he never returned to the action.
“Rory had something off the ball, we haven’t seen it yet but his eye was closed,” revealed manager Jim Gavin after the game.
“So, he wasn’t fit to return back for the game. It will settle down over the coming days. His eye was closing.”
Vaughan was forced off after damaging the AC joint in his right shoulder and he left Croke Park with his arm in a sling.
“I’ll be giving myself every chance for next week and stay positive. It was disappointing as I was just getting into the game but that’s sport I suppose,” remarked Vaughan.
“It was a physical game but Gaelic football is a contact sport so you’re always going to get bruises and bangs.
“But the lads kept playing and we got a draw out of it at the end when the game looked lost and we showed good character.
“But we’ve been here before as well, so it’s about going out and getting a performance next week.”
