Cork hurling boss Kieran Kingston said the panel have been dealt a serious blow with the news that Colm Spillane has been ruled out of action for the rest of the year.

The defender was injured in the second half of Cork’s defeat to Waterford in Pairc Ui Rinn at the weekend.

An MRI revealed Spillane had suffered a cruciate ligament injury.

“The news is devastating, firstly for the player himself and it is a huge blow for us as a management team,” Kingston told the Evening Echo.

“Colm went off injured in the second-half last Saturday night and, whilst we were hoping the injury was not too serious, the scan has revealed the worst.

“He’s a big loss to our plans going forward because he was going very well.”

The Castlelyons clubman will play no further part in hurling this season, but Kingston was certain he would to bounce back from the injury.

“The injury is similar to the one Christopher Joyce sustained last year and all we can do now is give Colm every support during his stay on the sideline and welcome him back when the time comes again,” he said.

”He’s only 22 so he’s young enough to come back as good and stronger than ever.’’