Ryan: Fight for places is crazy

Competition for starting places on the Kilkenny team has reached "crazy levels", according to captain Lester Ryan.

Manager Brian Cody has employed 25 players during the county’s four championship matches, one-third of the team axed from the starting line-up for the replayed Leinster semi-final against Galway.

The Kilkenny captain started only one game this summer, the 26-point hammering of Offaly, his combined involvement in the remaining fixtures amounting to 13 minutes.

“Last year we had a few injuries which meant we were picking from a smaller bunch of players, but this year there are 35 players battling for places. It has meant lads have missed out and have been forced to spend time on the bench. This is the way you want it to be,” insisted Ryan.

“Lads know if they perform at training they will get their chance. It has to be that way. It makes training more intense if lads know they are genuinely battling for a starting place. In the games we have played, characters like Henry Shefflin, Tommy Walsh and Aidan Fogarty have been on the bench so that makes it even more intense.

“We know as soon as you take off your jersey at the end of a match you have to go back and battle for it the following Tuesday evening. Anyone from one to 26 is capable of doing a job if they are asked.”

Surely, though, as captain it must be frustrating to watch on from the stands?

“It isn’t. Captaining Kilkenny is an honour. Great if you get game-time, if you don’t you just go away and work some more. You only have to sit on the bench and scooch over beside Tommy Walsh and Henry Shefflin to know you are in great company. The general thing is that what is done is best for Kilkenny.”