Down hurlers have injury worries concerning three defenders ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland Qualifier against Galway.

Full-back Stephen Murray and half-backs Simon Wilson and Gabriel Clarke are all doubtful for the Ballycran game.

Manager John Crossey reported that Wilson has "soft tissue damage" while Murray has a knee injury and Clarke an ankle problem.

Wilson is rated the most doubtful of the trio.

Veteran Mick Braniff plus comparative newcomers Patrick Hughes, James Henry Hughes and Andrew Bell are the players in line to come into the starting line-up if defensive changes are required.

Down took Antrim to a replay in the Ulster Hurling Final before losing narrowly to the Saffrons.