JJ Delaney has said he would happily sacrifice Henry Shefflin for next year's Allianz Hurling League - as long as the Kilkenny legend is back in time to help the Cats defend their All-Ireland hurling crown.
Shefflin, an All Star on 10 occasion and proud possessor of eight Celtic Crosses is facing up to six months out of the game with a shoulder injury - picked up while playing for his club Ballyhale Shamrocks - but is aiming for a return to action in the summer.
"He's so focused and if I was to back anyone to get back it would be Henry," Delaney said.
"It would be safe money because once he gets something in his head he will do it because he's so single-minded. He'd do everything he can to get right, no fear of that."
He added: "To be honest, I'd rather have Henry Shefflin for the championship than the league, if that's the way it has to be."