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Tipperary confident Kelly will be fit

ALL-IRELAND SHC SEMI-FINAL: TIPPERARY ARE confident captain Eoin Kelly will be fit for next Sunday’s semi-final against Waterford…

Tue Aug 10 2010 - 01:00

ALL-IRELAND SHC SEMI-FINAL:TIPPERARY ARE confident captain Eoin Kelly will be fit for next Sunday's semi-final against Waterford despite a late injury scare. The five-time All Star has suffered a slight recurrence of the back injury which has troubled the Mullinahone clubman over the last two seasons.

This year, the corner forward has enjoyed a trouble-free campaign, featuring regularly throughout the National League and playing without pain in the championship to date.

Kelly revealed before the season his back is sometimes tight, but manageable with physio and regular maintenance.

Tipperary insiders insist Kelly will be fit to line out next Sunday and the player himself is hopeful but he may require another injection to get him through the afternoon.

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It remains to be seen whether Kelly takes a full part in training this week before manager Liam Sheedy announces his starting line-up on Thursday night.

The big selection dilemma is who starts at centre forward for Tipperary against Waterford’s dominant centre back, Michael “Brick” Walsh.

Shane McGrath made a sensational impact when switched back to his preferred midfield position during the All-Ireland quarter-final against Galway and the Ballinahinch clubman is expected to partner Brendan Maher in the centre following his stint in the half-forward line.

David Young, who was withdrawn early against Galway, looks like he will lose out this time and with Patrick “Bonnar” Maher expected to start at centre forward, a position is up for grabs in the half-forward line.

Séamus Callanan, who scored a goal in the quarter-final against Galway after coming on as sub, John O’Brien and Pa Bourke are the three battling it out for a position up front.

Sheedy also has the option of moving Noel McGrath or Lar Corbett from the full-forward line to the wing, which could see Callanan, O’Brien or Bourke used in the inside line.

Sheedy confirmed last week that Pat Kerwick, who made a big impact last season, requires groin surgery and will play no part in the remainder of the championship.