Former Galway ace Joe Canning says the Tribesmen are in the All-Ireland SHC semi-finals on merit but still need things to go their way and Cork “to be off it a little bit”.

Micheál Donoghue’s side meet the Rebels on Saturday (3.30pm) for a place in the Liam MacCarthy Cup decider, having last lifted the famous trophy in 2017 when Canning was selected as ‘Hurler of the Year’.

Speaking to RTE Sport this week, the Portumna clubman said the pressure has been off Galway’s shoulders since defeating Dublin in last month’s Leinster final.

"Winning Leinster was huge," said the five-time All-Star. "It was 2018 when we last won it, so for the group of players, especially the older ones, never mind the younger guys, to win is a big pressure off the shoulders.

"They go into the semi-final without as much pressure as before and Cork are seen by many, along with Limerick, as the two best teams in the country. They can have a right cut off it.

"They are there on merit. They have only lost once this year (Leinster round-robin loss to Dublin). They are trucking along nicely. They are Leinster champions and not to be disrespected in any way.

"I’d say they are quietly confident."

He added: "Cork probably haven’t hit their top stride yet, but Galway need everything to go their way and Cork to be off it a little bit."

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