Derek Lyng: Championship the priority for TJ in '24

Derek Lyng will carefully manage the minutes of Kilkenny stalwart TJ Reid

25 January 2024; Kilkenny hurling manager Derek Lyng with Cillian Buckley, left, and Eoin Cody during a promotional event at UPMC Nowlan Park, Kilkenny as Avonmore owner Tirlán reaffirm sponsorship commitments to Kilkenny GAA for the 2024 season. Avonmore, Ireland's number one dairy brand, has featured proudly on Kilkenny jerseys since 1994 making it one of the longest running GAA partnerships in the country. Photo by David Fitzgerald/Sportsfile

For the first time in six years, a Kilkenny manager can call on TJ Reid from February, but Derek Lyng won’t rush the seven-time All-Star back to action.

Commitments with Ballyhale Shamrocks have meant Reid has seen little Allianz Hurling League action since 2018 and he has not featured in a game these past couple of seasons.