CHAMPIONS Kilkenny have left a vacancy at centre forward on their team to play Laois in the National Hurling League quarter final on Sunday. Team captain Michael Phelan has filled the position all season, but he injured his neck in the victory over Tipperary three weeks ago.

The selectors have told Phelan that he must make his own mind up whether or not he feels fit to play, and this decision will be left until hours before the game.

There is a recall for goalkeeper Michael Walsh, whose father Ollie Walsh died some weeks ago. The goalkeeper was dropped for two games when Martin Carey took over, but the selectors have reverted to the more experienced Walsh for this crucial clash.