Gardiner returns to Cork line-up

As expected, Na Piarsigh back John Gardiner will make his return to the Cork senior hurling side for Sunday's eagerly-awaited Guinness All-Ireland final against Kilkenny.

The 21-year-old, having shaken off the hand injury which saw him miss the Rebels' 1-27 to 0-12 semi-final defeat of Wexford, will replace Erin's Own club man Cian O'Connor at right-half back.

Gardiner's inclusion marks the only change from the side which overcame the Leinster champions last month, with boss Donal O'Grady continuing with a full-forward line of Sarsfields' Kieran Murphy, 1992 hurler of the year Brian Corcoran and three-time All star Joe Deane.

Gardiner, Murphy and Newtownshandrum midfielder Jerry O'Connor will all make their All-Ireland final debuts, as O'Grady bids for the county's first title since 1999.

Reigning champions Kilkenny, bidding for a third straight Liam McCarthy Cup, will name their side tomorrow night.

CORK (v Kilkenny): Donal Og Cusack; Wayne Sherlock, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Brian Murphy; John Gardiner, Ronan Curran, Sean Og O’hAilpin; Tom Kenny, Jerry O’Connor; Ben O’Connor (Capt), Niall McCarthy, Timmy McCarthy; Kieran Murphy, Brian Corcoran, Joe Deane.