Shefflin’s sensational return to training

KILKENNY star Henry Shefflin could be on course for a sensational appearance in the All-Ireland SHC decider against Tipperary on Sunday week after taking a full part in team training last night in Nowlan Park with almost 8,000 people watching on.

Shefflin looked certain to miss the final after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the first-half of the All-Ireland semi-final earlier this month against Cork.

However, following intensive treatment with renowned physio Ger Hartman in Limerick, Shefflin appears to have made a remarkable recovery.

He showed no ill-effects while appearing at an in-house training game last night with fellow cruciate victim John Tennyson providing Kilkenny with another massive boost by also taking part in the session.

However, there was an injury setback with defender Brian Hogan having to depart the match with a finger injury. It is understood manager Brian Cody had set a deadline for this weekend for his injured stars to prove their fitness for the tie.

Irish Examiner hurling analyst Donal O’Grady was present at last night’s session and believes Shefflin will play against Tipperary.

“To me it is nearly odds on that he’d be playing in the All-Ireland final after watching him last night. From the time he came on the pitch, he did everything that was asked of him. He was moving freely left and right.

“You wouldn’t think that he was injured watching him, you’d be saying he’s okay to play in the final. He did the drills and the stretches, and then took part in the match. He was playing centre-forward and got a few scores. He didn’t stand out in the game but he got through it. Brian Hogan did get in a clash and damaged his finger. John Tennyson played as well, he did look a small bit rusty but apart from that he was moving well.”

Shefflin’s availability would provide a massive boost for Kilkenny’s aspirations of claiming a historic All-Ireland five-in-a-row on September 5.

There will now be an anxious wait to see if Shefflin suffers an adverse reaction to last night’s run out. There is a precedent of players featuring in this year’s championship with damaged cruciates. Kildare duo Dermot Earley and Ken Donnelly have both played throughout the summer despite the dreaded injury, with Donnelly having ruptured his completely last May but still coming on in a couple of qualifiers and starting against Monaghan.

Meanwhile Kilkenny legend DJ Carey insists Shefflin is irreplaceable if ruled out of the battle with Tipperary.

“The talk is Kilkenny have a man to replace everyone but I don’t think with Henry, no matter who comes in. He’s the spiritual leader and he’s one guy that everyone looks up to. On the field, he is absolutely massive.”