Former Kilkenny and Tipp star Byrne expects Shefflin to start

Former captain Denis Byrne is expecting changes in the Kilkenny team to face Tipperary in next Saturday’s All-Ireland senior hurling final replay — as it appears increasing likely that Henry Shefflin will be included in attack.

Latest reports in Kilkenny suggests that Shefflin, chasing a 10th senior medal, is in line to replace Walter Walsh up front and will line out at full-forward in a reshuffle. And Noreside sources have also indicated that manager Brian Cody will alter the make-up of his half-back line, with Joey Holden and Brian Hogan’s positions under threat.

It is understood Shefflin, Pádraig Walsh and Kieran Joyce have been playing on the A team in recent training outings and the trio are pushing hard for starting places.