Walsh: I would have returned for Crokes-Glen replay

Shane Walsh asserted he was 'rusty' on his return to action in Galway's six-point win over Monaghan in Salthill and confirmed he would have been available for Kilmacud Crokes had a replay been ordered after their controversial All-Ireland club final victory over Glen.

The 2022 All-Star has been in Australia since the club decider, missing the first four rounds of Galway's Division 1 campaign.

Padraic Joyce's side had been reduced to 14 men shortly before half-time, Peter Cooke banished for retaliation after a tussle with Micheal Bannigan.

Walsh was introduced on 41 minutes, with Galway still trailing 9-7. However, from there the numerically disadvantaged westerners took control, conceding only one more point as they powered to a 1-13 to 0-10 victory, Johnny Heaney drilling home the decisive goal from close range shortly after the hour mark.

"Great to be back, delighted," Walsh told RTÉ Sport after the game. "Two points on the board as well. It helps when you're coming back, to get a win today.

"I was always hoping to be. I feel I was born to play football. You're always itching to get back in. Padraic is the man in charge. He gave the nod to get back in there today.

"I was rusty when I came on. But that's the chance I have in the next two weeks, to grow into it.

"The sending off, which I felt was harsh at the time, it came at the good time. Because we had time to adjust over half-time. In fairness to management, tactically we got it spot on.

"Lads have been soldiering away in the last month since I've been away. You can see where the bar is at - or I can see where it's at!"

Walsh, a pivotal figure in Kilmacud's All-Ireland title win, was out of the country while the saga raged over the final play of the game, with Glen initially