One debutant in Kildare hurling side set to take on Brian Cody's Kilkenny tomorrow in the Walsh Cup

Kildare hurling manager Joe Quaid has made three changes to his starting side for the daunting trip to Kilkenny tomorrow afternoon, with Naas youngster Shane Ryan set to make his debut at senior level for the Lilywhites. Ryan comes in to replace fellow clubman Cathal Dowling at corner-forward in one of three changes, with Mark Grace also making his return after a year out to the Kildare setup to take the place of the suspended Diarmuid Cahill at wing-back.

The other change sees Ardclough star Martin Fitzgerald returning to the team for the first time since 2016. The former Fitzgibbon Cup winner was due to start against Laois last week but was struck down with a flu. He comes into the side at the expense of Richie Ryan at full-forward.

It looks to me an enormous ask for the Lilywhites after they were bested by Laois last week in a one-sided affair, with Kilkenny battering the O'Moore men by 6-24 to 1-11 on Wednesday night in their first game of the new year.

Brian Cody's men will be at home tomorrow in Freshford, where throw-in is scheduled for 2pm.

Kildare XV to play Kilkenny