Nolan recalled to Wexford line-up

Faythe Harriers clubman Stephen Nolan has been included in the Wexford side for Sunday's Leinster SHC final against defending champions Kilkenny (Croke Park, throw-in 4pm).

Nolan will make his first start of this year's championship having come into some recent form. He will line out at left half-forward, replacing Paul Carley, in the only change Wexford boss John Meyler has made to the team that defeated Dublin by a single point in their semi-final clash.

Despite his free-taking heroics against the Dubs, Barry Lambert is again named amongst the substitutes, while Meyler is continuing to use David 'Doc' O'Connor as a converted centre-forward.

Dual star O'Connor, who is more noted for his defensive capabilities, could have been involved in a tug of war as both the Wexford hurlers and footballers are in action at Croke Park on Sunday.

But the respective managers - Meyler and Paul Bealin - came to an agreement over the use of O'Connor with the St Anne's clubman focusing solely on the small ball for this weekend.

Nigel Higgins captains Meyler's men from right corner forward, having bagged a goal in the win over Dublin. Indeed, Wexford's full-forward unit that day - Higgins, Darren Stamp and Rory Jacob - contributed 2-5 of their side's final tally of 2-14.

Sunday's clash between Wexford and Kilkenny is the sides' third Leinster final meeting in-a-row.

Wexford last lifted the Bob O'Keeffe Cup in 2004 when they beat Kilkenny in the semi-final before ousting Offaly in the final.

Wexford's last win over Kilkenny in a Leinster final was back in 1997 when they won by 2-14 to 1-11 to retain the title.

WEXFORD (SHC v Kilkenny) - D Fitzhenry; P Roche, D Ruth, M Travers; R Kehoe, K Rossiter, C Kenny; D Lyng, E Quigley; M Jacob, D O'Connor, S Nolan; N Higgins (capt), D Stamp, R Jacob.