Noel McGrath back on bench for Tipperary

Noel McGrath will make an emotional return to match day activity when he takes his place on Tipperary’s bench for tomorrow’s All-Ireland hurling semi-final clash with Galway.

The All-Ireland medallist and former Young Hurler of the Year has made a speedy recovery from testicular cancer surgery which took place in April.

Boss Eamon O’Shea confirmed last week that the Loughmore-Castleiney super star was ‘in the mix’ to feature and has included him in his 26-man matchday panel.

It remains to be seen if McGrath sees any game time at Croke Park though his introduction would prompt a huge response from Tipp’s fan base.

O’Shea has made just one change to his starting line-up with corner-back Conor O’Brien coming into the team for Michael Breen.

O’Brien last started for Tipp in the Munster semi-final win over Limerick but after appearing as a sub in the final defeat of Waterford has held onto the jersey.

Breen was known to be under pressure to stay in the team after being replaced at half-time in the 0-21 to 0-16 win over Waterford.

Lar Corbett came on for Breen that afternoon and scored a point but has been held in reserve once again.

Corner-backs Paddy Stapleton and Michael Cahill were not considered.

Stapleton is understood to have suffered a rib injury on a training camp last weekend while has been struggling to regain full fitness.

Opponents Galway have named an unchanged line-up from the side that outplayed Cork in the quarter-finals.