Direct route to the final the way to go for Henry Shefflin

Galway hurling manager Henry Shefflin is happy to take the direct route of being in a Leinster final after his side topped the round-robin standings.

The westerners ended up on nine points after Saturday's win over Dublin at Pearse Stadium. Below them on six points each were Kilkenny, Wexford and Dublin, with the Cats' better scoring difference ensuring that Shefflin and Brian Cody will oppose each other again in a fortnight's time.

For the Tribes boss, it wasn't quite a case of better than expected, but still there's a pleasing aspect of being another step on the road to the All-Ireland series.

"At the start of the year our aim was to be in the top three, as our league campaign wasn't brilliant," said Shefflin to RTÉ Sport.

"They were four teams vying for those three positions. It was then a little bit comfortable for ourselves as we knew we had the cushion of seven points.

"If we got to nine points we knew we had that Leinster final place booked. The direct route, I think, is the best way to go. It's always good to get to finals and that's where we've ended up."

In assessing his side's overall performance, Shefflin wasn't entirely satisfied, but scoring bursts after half-time and an increased workrate did please the former Black and Amber star.

"I wouldn't say I was necessarily happy with how we performed but the breeze was strong even though it looked like we got a bit of a handle on it just before half time.

"We went three points ahead and they came back with the last two scores just before the break. We then had a phase of play and threw a couple of scores together. We did that early in the second half, the wind was strong and was going to be a factor in the game.

"If you keep it tight at the back and not concede any goals,