Portumna boss Johnny Kelly has envisaged tomorrow's All-Ireland club SHC showdown between his team and Kilkenny kingpins Ballyhale Shamrocks as being a shoot-out between two of the greats in the modern game.

Both Joe Canning and Henry Shefflin have been inspirational in their respective teams' progression to this year's club hurling showpiece and Kelly knows that all eyes will be on them at Croke Park come 2.00pm tomorrow.

"I can see it turning into a shoot-out between them," said Kelly, who is hoping to make history by leading Portumna to a third consecutive All-Ireland triumph.

He is also well aware of that fact while Shefflin will be the chief threat to his team chances, there will be little his team can do to reduce the half-forward's qualities once he gets on the ball.

"I don't know him personally, but like everyone else I have admired him over the years as a quality hurler. His big day temperament is unquestioned and he's a leader of Ballyhale.

"We'll be seeking to come up with our strengths because it's very difficult to nullify a player of that quality. What you have to do is roll with the punches and try to attack and use our strengths.

"Everyone understands that while you have a Henry Shefflin and a Joe Canning, they won't win an All-Ireland for you. You have another 14 players on the field who have to pull their weight. Everyone has to be working to a common goal and you need a bit of luck." Tweet

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