Kilkenny attack shaping up nicely ahead of TJ Reid return

Kilkenny showing promising early season form in the league has been a staple of the Brian Cody era.

On Saturday the Cats travel to Leeside to take on Cork in the first of the Allianz Division 1 semi-finals, with Cody seeking an 11th league title in charge of his county.

With just one defeat in five games and a points difference that is only bettered by Waterford – by a single point – across 1A and 1B, Kilkenny have looked far more threatening that some had predicted with the absence of TJ Reid.

The Ballyhale Shamrocks' talisman could feature against the Rebels on his return from injury, but either way, it is an attack that has been motoring along nicely, inspired by the shifting of Padraig Walsh further up the field.

Noted as one of the best defenders in the game, the Tullaroan man has demonstrated his versatility and comfort among the forwards in picking off five points last time out against Waterford.

All in all, RTÉ GAA analyst Ursula Jacob has been impressed by what she has seen from Cody's side as an offensive force.

"It shows the talent Padraig Walsh has, that flexibility," she told the RTÉ GAA podcast.

"He’s equally as effective in the half-back line as half-forward line. Each score seemed to be better than the last against Waterford and he also helped set-up Billy Ryan’s goal.

"It’s a massive plus for Kilkenny to have him in the attack.

"I probably would have felt at the start of the year, could they really afford to have him up there because were they strong enough defensively?

"You can see with the new lads coming in, Mikey Butler, outstanding the last day, David Blanchfield the last couple of games has been excellent, a towering wing-back, and Richie Reid has been equally comfortable centre-back, so it’s really adding