Foley damaged his shoulder in the early stages of the semi-final victory over Castres in Beziers on Saturday.

He has already been ruled out of this Saturday's AIB League final between Shannon and Cork Constitution at Lansdowne Road.

But he admitted that there still remains a big question mark over his fitness for the European shoot-out.

The good news is that a scan on Tuesday revealed no serious ligament damage.

Foley will have a second medical opinion in Cork on Wednesday, but has already been told that the injury could take between four and six weeks to heal.

''If that is the case then it means that it is going to be a very close call,'' said Foley.

''I have been advised to have complete rest for up to two weeks.

'Disappointment'

''The shoulder is pretty sore at present and I am taking anti-inflammatory drugs and using ice to keep down the swelling.

''I have been told that the best I can hope for is to be back in contact training within three weeks.

''That depends comes down to my powers of recovery.

''Having been through the disappointment of being on one losing side in a European Cup final.

''I want to play in this one, but I recognise I have to be very careful in trying to make my way back.''