CORK’S CIARAN SHEEHAN is finally set to return to Aussie Rules action this weekend after being sidelined through injury for the last 18 months.

Ciaran Sheehan in action for the Irish International Rules team in 2013. Donall Farmer / INPHO Donall Farmer / INPHO / INPHO

Sheehan last played in August 2014 for Carlton in the AFL, the month where he made his breakthrough to debut for the Melbourne-based club.

But the 25 year-old was hit with a hip injury and underwent surgery that saw him miss the entire 2015 season.

It was hoped that he would recover towards the end of last season but his rehabilitation was hit by setbacks.

The 2010 All-Ireland winner finally returned to full training in recent weeks and will play for the Northern Blues, Carlton’s affiliate club, in his comeback match this Saturday.

Sheehan has been named as part of a 31-man Northern Blues squad that will be finalised when Carlton’s first-team squad for Sunday’s game with Port Adelaide is named tomorrow.

Northern Blues face Williamstown on Saturday and Sheehan will play at either VFL or Development level.

“Ciaran Sheehan’s been out for quite some time with a hip irritation and a little bit of a sore foot as well,” outlined Carlton’s Head of Football Andrew McKay when speaking earlier this week to the club’s official website.

He’s back into full training, has been for a couple of weeks.

“He’s going to be available for Northern Blues, which is fantastic for him, because he’s had limited football over the last year or so.”

The42 is on Snapchat! Tap the button below on your phone to add!

What do you make of the new Dublin GAA jersey?

GAA players heading to USA – ‘I would never try and persuade a fella from going’