Browne returns for Déise

WATERFORD hurlers received a massive boost last night when veteran defender Tony Browne returned to training with the squad.

Browne, 36, had been handed an extended break by manager Davy Fitzgerald following last year’s championship but the Mount Sion clubman this week committed himself to a 19th season.

Fitzgerald confirmed yesterday: “We’re delighted to have Tony back – not too many guys of his age are capable of playing top-level hurling.”

Browne is unlikely to feature on the panel for Sunday’s visit to Tipperary in Division 1 of the league. But he could feature on April 4 when Waterford welcome Offaly to Dungarvan’s Fraher Field.

With Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh on the comeback trail from a broken arm, Browne could be positioned at centre back when he does return to action.

Meanwhile, Fitzgerald has indicated that Browne’s clubmate Ken McGrath will return to training next week, which will give the manager a full-strength squad to choose from approaching championship time.