Clare boss O'Loughlin turns to Morey

Caimin Morey has been brought into the Clare team for tonight's All-Ireland SHC second phase qualifier against Galway in Salthill (throw-in 7pm).

Caimin Morey has been brought into the Clare team for tonight's All-Ireland SHC second phase qualifier against Galway in Salthill (throw-in 7pm).

The Sixmilebridge clubman will make his first Championship start at full-forward, replacing his former All-Ireland Under-21 winning team-mate Darach Honan.

Honan has temporarily left the Clare panel due to an ongoing groin problem that needs rehab for a few weeks. Manager Ger O'Loughlin said that the injury 'isn't clearing up and needs to be sorted out.'

O'Loughlin has reshuffled his defence with Cian Dillon listed at full-back and Conor Cooney in the left corner, while Pat Donnellan and James McInerney also swap positions in the half-back line.

Patrick O'Connor from Tubber and Cratloe duo Cathal McInerney and Conor McGrath, who were all Championship debutants against Tipperary recently, have held onto their starting spots.

Clare and Galway have met in the All-Ireland qualifiers on three previous occasions, in 2003, 2007 and 2009. Galway have won two of those matches, including a 2-18 to 1-11 triumph two years ago.

Speaking to the Clare Champion this week, O'Loughlin said: "This is a winner-take-all game for both Galway and ourselves. They will want to knock the doubters in their own county and will come to the game with a sting in their tail after the Dublin game.

"They got a lot of bad reviews after that game. The home venue will be worth a couple of scores to them in what is a make-or-break game for both teams."

Pleased with parts of his side's performance against reigning All-Ireland champions Tipp, he added: "The guys are up for it. We are hoping for a high level of performance with plenty of passion and intensity.

"If we work hard for the 70 minutes, then we are in with a fighting chance of getting the result.

"It's important for us to go in with the same focus as in the game against Tipperary and we must sustain that for 70 minutes. It would be a corner turned for us if we can win this one."

CLARE (SHC v Galway): Philip Brennan; Pat Vaughan (capt), Cian Dillon, Conor Cooney; Patrick O'Connor, Pat Donnellan, James McInerney; Jonathan Clancy, Nicky O'Connell; John Conlon, Fergal Lynch, Diarmuid McMahon; Cathal McInerney, Caimin Morey, Conor McGrath.

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