Seven changes for Kilkenny
Kilkenny manager Brian Cody has made seven changes in personnel to his team for tomorrow's Allianz Hurling League Division 1 encounter with Offaly at Nowlan Park (throw-in 2.30pm).
Jackie Tyrrell has recovered from a hamstring injury and will start at corner back, having missed the recent games against Waterford and Dublin. Forwards James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick and Michael Rice also return from injury.
Fitzpatrick and Rice join Eoin Larkin in the half-forwards, with TJ Reid linking up with Michael Fennelly in midfield.
Goalkeeper PJ Ryan and corner back Paul Murphy are also back in the starting line-up, and Barrow Rangers clubman Richie Doyle comes in to make his league debut at wing back.
Doyle was a member of last year's Kilkenny Under-21 team, and prior to that won the All-Ireland minor title in 2008.
The most notable of the positional switches sees team captain Brian Hogan selected at full-back and John Dalton has been pencilled in to start at centre-back.
Kilkenny are expected to see off their Leinster rivals and secure a place in their fifth league final in seven years. The Cats top the table by a single point heading into the final round of matches.
KILKENNY (AHL v Offaly): PJ Ryan; Paul Murphy, Brian Hogan, Jackie Tyrrell; Paddy Hogan, John Dalton, Richie Doyle; TJ Reid, Michael Fennelly; James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick, Michael Rice, Eoin Larkin; Matthew Ruth, Eddie Brennan, Richie Hogan.
Subs: David Herity, Michael Kavanagh, Conor Fogarty, PJ Ryan, Aidan Fogarty, John Mulhall, Niall Walsh, Pat Hartley, Eoin Murphy, Michael Murphy.
