Ryan Rainey yet to return, but Darren Murphy hopeful on Finn Harps' walking wounded

While Ryan Rainey seems likely to be sidelined for a while yet, Finn Harps manager Darren Murphy offered a more hopeful outlook on his walking wounded.

Sean O'Donnell made a return to the squad for Friday's 1-1 draw against Cork City having injured a shoulder in pre-season.

Aaron McLaughlin, forced off in the early stages of the opening night's win in Longford is 'three or four weeks' from a return, his manager said, while Conor Tourish could make a return to the squad next week against Athlone.

The Letterkenny native trained again on Wednesday and Murphy seemed positive regarding the defender's injury.

Rainey has been inhibited by an ankle injury lately and there is no timeline on the vice captain's return.

“When we'll get him back, I'm just not sure,” Murphy said. “There is a process there. He has only been able to do six sessions in six or seven weeks. He is a good bit behind so it's about getting him up to speed now.”

With Kevin Jordan's knee injury a long-term issue, Harps moved to bring in St Patrick's Athletic defender Luke O'Brien on loan.

Murphy said: “Kevin has a wee problem with his medial ligament. The scans showed that there is an issue there. That's why we have brought in Luke.

“The most pleasing thing for me so far is that we have been competitive in two games without these guys.

“Competition is key and that should be the way in all walks of life. We have a lot of competition all through the squad now.”

On Thursday, Harps announced the loan signing of goalkeeper Conor Walsh from Sligo Rovers. Mayo native Walsh has been brought in to join Tim Hiemer and Oisin Cooney in the goalkeeping department.

Walsh spent some time recently at Nottingham Forest and is a highly-touted 'keeper.

Murphy said: “Oisin's international commitments are high and that left us with just Tim when Oisin is away. I felt it was an area that we needed to beef up.

“It's nice to get Conor in the door and it helps everybody. He has been across the water and he is an extremely talented boy. He has played ten times for Sligo Rovers in the Premier Division.”