NEWS ROUND-UP:WATERFORD MANAGER Davy Fitzgerald will be without eight of the team that started against Tipperary in last August's All-Ireland semi-final for the repeat meeting between the sides at Semple Stadium next Saturday night.
Fitzgerald brings his unbeaten side to Thurles for a clash against a Tipperary side looking for their first victory in this season’s Allianz National Hurling League.
De La Salle pair John Mullane and Kevin Moran are not due back to training until next week following their recent club exertions.
Eoin Murphy and Liam Lawlor, two-thirds of last year’s full-back line, are missing through injury along with Declan Prendergast, who started in the half-back line against Tipperary last year.
Tony Browne and Eoin Kelly, who recently rejoined the squad, will not come into consideration either. And Brian O’Halloran is ruled out with a hamstring injury.
Tipperary are planning without long-term injury victims Séamus Callanan and Séamus Hennessy. Forward Mikey Heffernan has also been ruled out while John O’Neill, who scored 1-2 against Dublin last time out, is considered a doubtful starter.
Vice-captain Conor O’Mahony could return after sickness while 2010 Hurler of the Year Lar Corbett who is back in full training could make an appearance at some point. All Star goalkeeper Brendan Cummins is also tipped to make his first competitive start of the year in place of Darren Gleeson.
