Deck set to be shuffled a little for Limerick test
LIMERICK v TIPPERARY
Gaelic Grounds, Limerick
Saturday 2nd February
Throw-in @ 7.00pm
Referee: Sean Cleere (Kilkenny)
Tipperary will have a spring in their step as they make the well-worn path back to the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick next Saturday to face the All Ireland champions in round 2 of the Allianz Hurling League.
Off the back of last Saturday's opening round win over Clare, that home win was a must considering Tipperary have only games in Thurles in the competition, as they now hit the road for their next two games, firstly a trip to the Ennis road venue this Saturday night.
“Facing the All-Ireland champions at home in Limerick is not going to be easy but then there are no easy matches in this league,” said Tipperary manager Liam Sheedy after the win over Clare.
“We are away to Wexford after that but that’s the great thing about the league, it is so competitive. It is high powered stuff and hopefully we will get the chance to try a few more new lads”, he said.
The sight of Seamus Callanan pulling up in the final play of the win over Clare will have given the Tipp management a little anxiety with the skipper to be monitored this week and if there is any doubts as to his fitness, he won't be risked, as Jason Forde, Paddy Cadell and Joe O'Dwyer were prior to last Saturday night, despite being named in the starting line-up.
Liam Sheedy does not expect to have any of the longer term players on the injured list available such as Brendan Maher and John McGrath but they are getting closer to a return as is Seamus Kennedy after a hamstring injury.
James Barry hasn't featured since the Munster League win over Limerick, in which he played well, at the same venue before Christmas he struggles to shake off a niggling back injury.