Cody has to plan without towers of defence

KILKENNY manager Brian Cody is philosophical about the mini-injury crisis that has befallen his team ahead of Sunday week’s All-Ireland hurling quarter-final clash against Limerick.

Confirming yesterday that full-back Noel Hickey is out of action for the remainder of the season because of a viral infection, he stressed the player’s health was his main concern and that he had been reassured on that front.

“He will be fine, but it looks like he won’t hurl for the rest of the year,’’ he said.