Hickey will be given Cats chance

Noel Hickey could yet forge his way into the Kilkenny line-up for the All-Ireland SHC final against Tipperary next month.

That is the view of selector Martin Fogarty, who believes the full-back will be given every opportunity by Brian Cody to stake a claim for a starting berth.

The Dunnamaggin clubman has been sidelined by groin and medial ligament problems in his left knee, but he is now back to full fitness and could be considered for the Croke Park decider, a move which would allow current incumbent JJ Delaney revert to his preferred wing-back position.

Speaking in today's Irish Daily Star, Fogarty confirmed: 'Admittedly, it wouldn't be the ideal situation for a player, or for a team, for someone to be playing his first inter-county match of the year in the All-Ireland final.

'But that doesn't mean that we won't be considering Noel Hickey for a starting place. Noel is a player of such tremendous ability and experience that it just wouldn't make sense to overlook him for the match against Tipperary.

'A lot will depend on how well Noel hurls in the practice matches that we have among ourselves during the training sessions.'