Brian Cody was singing Henry Shefflin's praises after his impressive scoring contribution against Offaly in what was his first game for Kilkenny since tearing his cruciate ligament during last year's All-Ireland final. Despite his lack of match practice, the Ballyhale sharpshooter hit 0-11 - 0-10 from placed balls - and also set up Martin Comerford for the crucial opening goal just before half-time which set the Cats up for a comfortable victory. "Henry has worked himself to a standstill I suppose to make this game," the Kilkenny manager said. "This was the game he had targeted in his head to be back for. Look, he just gets out of the game essentially what he puts in. "It's great to see him out there today because everybody sees the wonderful skills he brings to a game. They're easy to see. But there's also the work-rate he brings, the leadership and everything else. All these are things that are serious for us." Cody acknowledged that the goal before half-time was the game's turning point. "Obviously, a goal was going to be a big score. And that was the vital goal for us, right on the stroke of half-time. It was a big lift to us, and I suppose a bit of a downer for them. "I thought Offaly were brilliant, when they were going good. I thought it was a great championship first half. Real genuine. Great pace and great scores being taken." Tweet

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