As the minutes tick down to throw-in at Croke Park, Kilkenny manager Brian Cody will be biting his nails while awaiting the outcome of a late fitness test on goalkeeper Eoin Murphy.
The Cats are reportedly going to make a last-minute call on whether or not Murphy will start their All-Ireland hurling final against Tipperary on Sunday afternoon.
Independent.ie report that Glenmore’s Murphy went over on his ankle in training on Wednesday and remains a serious concern ahead of their bid to make it three in a row.
If Murphy is indeed unfit to start, TJ Reid’s younger brother Richie is expected to get the shout between the sticks.
With or without Murphy, Kilkenny will be up against a Tipperary side in blistering form.
The Premier County demolished Waterford in the Munster final back in July and squeezed by Galway three weeks ago to set up a date with Kilkenny on this, the first Sunday in September.
The bookmakers see it as an even contest, with the Cats already hit by a serious Achilles tendon injury to midfielder Michael Fennelly (above).
If Murphy is out too, it may well swing the odds in Tipp’s favour but all we can do now is await the arrival of the official teamsheets.
Huge All-Ireland final GAA Hour features an interview with Kilkenny manager Brian Cody. Subscribe here on iTunes.
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