Kilkenny name three debutants for National League opener with Antrim

Kilkenny boss Brian Cody has handed out competitive debuts to Tom Phelan, David Blanchfield and Mikey Butler ahead of the opening round of the Allianz National League this weekend.

Sunday's home game with Antrim sees both Blanchfield and Butler given another chance to stake a claim after impressing in the recent Walsh Cup.

Conahy Shamrocks star Tom Phelan is also given a first start as the Cats aim to kick off the year in winning fashion.

The game also sees Conor Delaney and Paddy Deegan returning from recent knocks with Delaney manning the square while Deegan takes his place at midfield alongside Michael Carey.

Elsewhere Darren Brennan is picked in goal ahead of all-star Eoin Murphy and Padraig Walsh continues in his role from centre forward.

The likes of Evan Cody (Dicksboro), Conor Heary (O'Loughlin Gaels), Matt Kenny (Clara), Shane Murphy (Glenmore) and Tadhg O'Dwyer (James Stephens) will all be hoping to get some gametime from the bench.

The game throws in from UPMC Nowlan Park at 1pm.

Kilkenny team- Darren Brennan (St.Lachtains); Mikey Butler (O'Loughlin Gaels), Conor Delaney (Erins Own), Tommy Walsh (Tullaroan); James Maher (St.Lachtains), Huw Lawlor (O'Loughlin Gaels), David Blanchfield (Bennettsbridge); Michael Carey (Young Irelands), Paddy Deegan (O'Loughlin Gaels); John Donnelly (Thomastown), Padraig Walsh (Tullaroan), Tom Phelan (Conahy Shamrocks); Billy Ryan (Graigue-Ballycallan), Martin Keoghan (Tullaroan), James Bergin (Conahy Shamrocks)