Wales centre Tom Shanklin has handed the British and Irish Lions another injury headache just 18 days before they leave for South Africa. Ian McGeechan has already lost Tomas O’Leary while Alan Quinlan’s fate is dependent on a disciplinary hearing.

Now, McGeechan must wait for news on Shanklin who suffered a shoulder injury during Cardiff Blues’ 26-12 Magners League victory over Newport Gwent Dragons at the Arms Park tonight.

He had earlier scored an interception try, but was forced off late in the game and had his right shoulder heavily strapped before heading to hospital for an x-ray.

Shanklin’s injury is another major concern for Lions head coach Ian McGeechan, who has had his fair share of troubles since announcing a 37-man tour squad last month.

Munster and Ireland scrumhalf O’Leary was ruled out of the 10-match trip just three days after being selected for it due to a broken ankle suffered on Magners League duty.

McGeechan and his coaching staff have yet to choose a replacement, although a decision is likely after this weekend’s English Premiership play-offs, with England’s Danny Care among the leading candidates.

And Munster flanker Quinlan could be another casualty — but for for totally different reasons. Quinlan was cited for allegedly making contact with the eyes or eye area of Leinster skipper Leo Cullen during last Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final in Dublin that Leinster won 25-6.

Quinlan now faces a disciplinary hearing, with the possibility of a lengthy ban. England flanker Tom Croft and Wales captain Ryan Jones would be among the contenders to replace him.

Shanklin, a Lion in New Zealand four years ago whose tour was ended by injury, lined up for the Blues tonight just three days after an agonising penalty shoot-out defeat against Leicester at the Millennium Stadium.

The Lions kick off their tour against a Highveld XV in Rustenburg on May 30th.