Deise drop for goalkeeper Brenner?

A loss of form could see Waterford's hurlers take to Croke Park for next Sunday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final against Cork, without first-choice goalkeeper Stephen Brenner.

The De La Salle stopper turned in a below-par performance in the Deise's final qualifier game - a 0-21 to 4-14 loss to Clare - seven days ago, showing poor distribution and a loss of shot-stopping form.

Waterford have shipped eight goals in four championship matches so far this summer, and while Brenner was not at fault for all of them, manager Justin McCarthy will be desperate to stave off any hopes All-Ireland champions Cork have of a goal-glut next weekend with a rock-solid presence at the back.

He watched his panel play a Possibles v Probables match at Parnell Park yesterday afternoon, and Brenner was a notable absentee.

Ardmore goalkeeper Clinton Hennessy, who took part in a squad trial at the turn of the year, and Brenner's regular deputy Ian O'Regan went in between the sticks for both sides.

The Deise were also put through their paces at a session in Croke Park last night.