DJ retains defensive berth for Clare clash

Kilkenny boss Brian Cody has again named DJ Carey at the heart of the Cats' defence for today's Division 1A clash with Clare at Nowlan Park.

Carey filled the role in recent weeks against Tipperary and Laois, although he is deputising for Peter Barry, who lined out with James Stephens in last Thursday's All-Ireland club hurling final.

Cody has made three changes from the side that beat Laois last weekend.

Seán Dowling, Eddie Brennan and James Fitzpatrick come in for John Maher, Aidan Fogarty and Willie O'Dwyer.

Henry Shefflin is rested, having failed to recover from a groin injury.

Clare boss Anthony Daly will not name his side until just before throw-in, as the Banner look to pick up points following their five-point defeat to Galway last time out.

The Tribesmen host Munster champions Waterford at Pearse Park today in the other clash in the division.

Deise boss Justin McCarthy has named All Stars Tony Browne and Paul Flynn on the bench for today's tie.

Both were introduced last weekend against Dublin, but McCarthy has kept faith with the same side that started against the Dubs.

Newcomers Denis Coffey and Paul O'Brien retain their places after impressing last week, but O'Brien moves from top of the right to top of the left.

Galway will not name their team until just before the off, but changes are unlikely following last weekend's comprehensive victory over Clare.

KILKENNY (SH v Clare): J McGarry; J Ryall, N Hickey, T Walsh; M Kavanagh, DJ Carey, JJ Delaney; B Barry, S Dowling; M Comerford, D Lyng, E Brennan; J Fitzpatrick, J Hoyne, J Coogan.

WATERFORD (SH v Galway): C Hennessy; T Feeney, F Hartley, E Murphy; D Coffey, J Murray, B Wall; M Walsh, B Phelan; D Shanahan, E Kelly, D Bennett; J Mullane, S Prendergast, P O'Brien.