Shefflin facing lengthy lay-off

KILKENNY attacking star Henry Shefflin is likely to be out of action until next summer’s Leinster championship after limping off in the first-half of yesterday’s All-Ireland decider.

Shefflin severed his cruciate ligament during last month’s semi-final win over Cork and despite intensive treatment with renowned physio Ger Hartmann in the run-up to yesterday clash, he was forced off in the 14th minute. Shefflin will undergo an operation to repair the damage and is facing a lengthy rehabilitation period of at least six months.

Brian Cody refused to use Shefflin’s withdrawal as an excuse.