Gardiner returns to bolster Cork defence

Former Hurler of the Year John Gardiner has been named in the Cork starting line-up for Sunday's mouth-watering NHL Division 1A clash with Waterford (Walsh Park, throw-in 2.30pm).

The Na Piarsaigh defender missed the Rebels' round-one win over Offaly due to illness, but returns this weekend in a half-back line that also includes Ronan Curran and Cian O'Connor.

In all, Rebels boss Gerald McCarthy has made three changes to the team that beat Offaly 1-21 to 1-14.

Cloyne clubman Killian Cronin will line out at full-back. Gardiner takes the number-five jersey while Kevin Canty of Valley Rovers has been listed at left half-forward.

Graham Callanan missed out in defence, while Sean Óg Ó hAilpín and Timmy McCarthy are both struggling with injuries.

CORK (NHL v Waterford) - D Óg Cusack; W Sherlock, K Cronin, B Murphy; J Gardiner, R Curran, C O'Connor; K Murphy, T Kenny; P Cronin, N McCarthy, K Canty; N Ronan, D O'Sullivan, J Deane.