CHERRIES defender Shaun Maher has been boosted by the news he could be back in action earlier than was first anticipated.

It was feared the Dubliner may have ruptured ligaments in his right ankle after going over on the joint in training on Friday. But the 25-year-old had an MRI scan at the Nuffield Hospital in Bournemouth on Monday and the early prognosis is optimistic.

Boss Sean O'Driscoll told the Daily Echo: "The scan suggests Shaun has torn the ligaments rather than ruptured them completely and if that is the scenario he could be out for a month and won't require surgery."

The results of Maher's scan are subject to confirmation from an ankle specialist whom he is expected to see in the next 24 hours.