Liam Sheedy doesn't believe Kilkenny's injury crisis will weaken them in any way.

Speaking at a hurling development day in Tyrone on Saturday, the 2010 Tipperary All-Ireland winning manager said the Cats' demolition of Cork in last Sunday week's Allianz League final was a timely reminder of what they are capable of, even without some of their marquee names.

"We got our answer very quickly in Thurles. A lot of us, including myself, would have expected Cork to test them," he is quoted as saying in The Irish Examiner.

"With no Henry Shefflin, Noel Hickey, Richie Power and Michael Rice, you would have expected the team to be under pressure. But all of a sudden, you get younger guys, the Cillian Buckleys and the Matt Ruths, and these guys are just stepping up to the plate."

Sheedy is expecting Tipp - who have been boosted by Lar Corbett's return - to mount another strong challenge for All-Ireland honours.

"They spent most of the league playing without five of their six starting forwards from last year's All-Ireland. Overall, they have a strong squad, they will be hurting after losing last year's All-Ireland final, and I'm sure they're looking forward to a very competitive Munster championship.

"Tipp have loads of talent and a strong panel, and they can look forward with great eagerness to the summer." Tweet

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