Eddie Keher has dismissed the notion of Kilkenny using Henry Shefflin as an impact sub this summer.

Shefflin's incredible record of having started 62 consecutive championship matches is under serious threat as he continues his recovery from an ankle injury he suffered whilst playing with Ballyhale Shamrocks last November.

Whether the nine-time All-Ireland winner will be fit enough to play in the Cats' Leinster SHC quarter-final against Offaly on June 9 remains to be seen, but speaking at the launch of the All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, Keher suggested that Brian Cody would be better served starting him than using him as an impact sub when he does return.

"It's hard to visualise it," the Kilkenny legend said of holding the 34-year-old in reserve.

"I think he'll be better off starting a game rather than coming in as an impact sub, whenever that will be. Even if it's the second round I'd say he should start."

Shefflin featured at centre forward last season, but given his lack of fitness this year, Keher would prefer to see him positioned in the full forward line.

"I thought he might play that role last year but he was very fit last year for someone who had suffered an injury and he was well able to cope with the half forward line. I'd like to see him in the full forward line this year and he could play a roving game from there. The injury is a foot injury which should hamper him more than the shoulder last year.

"He pulled us through all the difficult matches last year." Tweet

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