Hartley back for Waterford

Former Munster championship-winning skipper Fergal Hartley will make his return to inter-county action for Waterford on Sunday against rivals Kilkenny at Walsh Park in the opening round of the National League.

The Ballygunner man has been named by Justin McCarthy at centre-back after coming out of self-imposed retirement after two years.

Hartley lines out in the heart of defence flanked by All Star Ken McGrath and Brian Phelan.

Clinton Hennessy makes his debut in goals for the Decies, with Stephen Brenner on the bench. Jack Kennedy, who scored three points as a substitute in last year's All-Ireland semi-final against the same opposition, also comes into the side.

WATERFORD (SH v Kilkenny): C Hennessy; J Murray, T Feeney, E Murphy; K McGrath, F Hartley, B Phelan; T Browne, M Walsh; D Shanahan, E Kelly, J Kennedy; J Mullane, S Prendergast, P Flynn.