Martin in goal for first clash of year with Cats

DAVY FITZGERALD will be hoping to lay down an early marker when the Wexford Senior hurlers take on Kilkenny in the Bord na Móna Walsh Cup semi-final in Bellefield on Sunday (2 p.m.).

Both James Breen and Ian Byrne have returned to the squad having missed out on last season, while Eanna Martin will act as the back-up for netminder Mark Fanning.

However, with Fanning ruled out of Sunday’s game owing to a hamstring injury, Martin will take his place in goal.

Fitzgerald said they have a number of injury concerns going into the game.

‘While Mark is out, Rory O’Connor (knee), Damien Reck (jaw) and Paul Morris (knee) are also out of contention, with Lee Chin only 50-50 owing to a hamstring problem,’ according to the manager.

‘It will be at least mid-February before Reck and O’Connor will figure.’

Fitzgerald added that ‘Shane Reck and Ian Byrne will start while Seamus Casey will figure at some stage.

‘We’ve four weeks training behind us. The lads may be somewhat tired with the heavy training, but we are looking ahead to the Limerick game,’ he added.

That league opener against the All-Ireland champions will take place in Innovate Wexford Park on Sunday, January 27.

While Kilkenny will be short of the Ballyhale Shamrocks contingent, they will still have a formidable squad to select from, which should make for an interesting clash between these great rivals.