Bennett back for Waterford

Lismore's Dave Bennett will make his first start in this season's National Hurling League when Waterford take on Down in Division 1A tomorrow (Fraher Field, throw-in 3.30pm).

The fit-again Bennett returns at midfield as the Deise seek to bounce back from last weekend's 1-13 to 0-9 loss at the hands of Clare.

Eoin McGrath is the player to make way, while Kevin Moran has also lost his place at full-forward.

Tom Feeney will take over duties at full-back from Declan Prendergast who shifts over to right half-back.

Deise boss Justin McCarthy has moved Dan Shanahan from wing forward to full-forward, and other positional changes are expected before the throw-in.

Team captain Michael 'Brick' Walsh will start at centre forward, having operated in centre-field against Clare.

Waterford are in a four-way tie at the top of the Division 1A table and a big win over bottom side Down will keep them in contention for next month's quarter-finals.

WATERFORD (NHL v Down) - C Hennessy; E Murphy, T Feeney, A Kearney; D Prendergast, K McGrath, J Murray; D Bennett, J Kennedy; E Kelly, M Walsh, S Prendergast; J Nagle, D Shanahan, S Molumphy.