Sheedy goes with tried and trusted Tipp team

Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy has named a team featuring no NHL debutants for tomorrow night's Division 1 opener against Kilkenny at Semple Stadium (throw-in 7.30pm).

The selected side, captained by Mullinahone marksman Eoin Kelly, features nine players who started against the Cats in last September's All-Ireland SHC decider.

Seamus Hennessy, Hugh Maloney and Micheal Webster will line out in attack, with Lar Corbett, John O'Brien and Pat Kerwick notable absentees.

Benny Dunne takes over in midfield from the injured James Woodlock, who has a fractured leg, while Conor O'Brien and Shane Maher come into the Premier County's defence.

Thomas Stapleton and Pa Bourke are both sidelined with illness but are expected back shortly.

Along with Woodlock, Under-21 forward John O'Neill (torn cruciate ligament) will miss Tipp's league campaign.

TIPPERARY (NHL v Kilkenny) - B Cummins; C O'Brien, P Curran, B Maher; D Fanning, P Maher, S Maher; B Dunne, S McGrath; S Hennessy, S Callanan, H Maloney; E Kelly (capt), M Webster, N McGrath.