Deise make two changes for Wexford clash

Unsurprisingly, after his team's impressive dismissal of Offaly, Davy Fitzgerald has made minimal changes to the Waterford side for Sunday's GAA Hurling All-Ireland quarter-final against Wexford in Thurles (throw-in 2pm).

There are just two changes with Brian Phelan and 2007 All-Star Stephen Molumphy coming back into the starting line-up - both players saw action as substitutes in the 2-18 to 0-18 win over Offaly.

In a straight swap, De La Salle clubman Phelan is selected at left half-back ahead of Jack Kennedy, the player he was introduced for during the fourth round qualifier.

The remainder of the Deise defence is unchanged with Ken McGrath continuing his new role at full-back and Tony Browne set to start another game at centre-back.

Fitzgerald has not tinkered with his midfield either - team captain Michael 'Brick' Walsh will again be partnered in the engine room by UCC student Jamie Nagle, who had an impressive first championship start last Saturday.

Molumphy's inclusion in the half-forwards sees dual player Gary Hurney excluded from the starting fifteen for the first time this summer. Seamus Prendergast moves from the left wing to the centre-forward berth.

All-Star elect Eoin Kelly put in an outstanding scoring performance against Offaly, grabbing 2-13 of his side's final tally, but Fitzgerald has warned that the Deise should not have to be 'carried' again by one player.

"Eoin is there to score. He played well (against Offaly), but he wouldn't be doing that only for the boys working hard out the field," said the former Clare goalkeeper.

"If we get a point or two off him the next day, we'll be delighted. Certainly, he couldn't carry us again. The other forwards are going to have to step up to the mark."

Full-forward Kelly has accumulated 4-16 over Waterford's three matches to date in the 2008 championship, with the on-form John Mullane also a consistent scorer (2-12).

Notably, Sunday's encounter will only be the second ever All-Ireland championship tie between Waterford and their neighbours Wexford.

The counties' one previous All-Ireland clash was back in 2003 when Wexford won by 1-20 to 0-18 in a Nowlan Park qualifier.

They have met already this year, when Wexford came away from Walsh Park with a one-point win in the National League's opening round.

The prize for Sunday's winners is a chance to take on Munster champions Tipperary in an All-Ireland semi-final on August 17.

WATERFORD (SHC v Wexford) - C Hennessy; E Murphy, K McGrath, D Prendergast; S O'Sullivan, T Browne, B Phelan; M Walsh (capt), J Nagle; D Shanahan, S Prendergast, S Molumphy; E McGrath, E Kelly, J Mullane.