Very positive update on injury Aidan O’Shea suffered playing basketball

Mayo will be kicking off their Allianz League campaign without Aidan O'Shea.

Their first task of the 2017 competition will be against Monaghan in MacHale Park on Saturday night, but an ankle injury O'Shea picked up while playing basketball means they'll be down the 26-year-old for the opener. O'Shea suffered an ankle sprain while playing for EJ's Sligo All Stars, returning to the sport for the first time in seven years, having previously togged out for Dublin outfit St Declan’s. O’Shea was seen wearing a moon boot to protect the injured ankle as he watched EJ’s Sligo All-Stars division one final loss to Neptune at the National Arena on Saturday. There were fears that the injury may be serious and that the Breaffy man may be out for a while recovering from the knock. However, Mayo boss Stephen Rocheford confirmed to RTE that the prognosis is good, and O'Shea is expected to return in time for the clash against Kerry next month.

"Aidan suffered an ankle injury which is not as serious as initially thought. He should return to training with us this week and while he won't make the Monaghan game we are hopeful he will be available for the match against Kerry."

Mayo will take on the Munster champions Kerry in their second league match of the campaign in Austin Stack Park on February 11.