Niall Hayes will return to the Portumna attack for the All-Ireland club hurling final.

The wing forward missed the semi-final win over Dunloy through suspension but lined out with Galway (in the Walsh Cup and the first round of the league) to keep himself in shape.

He will be back in the customary No.10 shirt as the Galway champions bid for an unprecedented third successive All-Ireland crown.

Manager Johnny Kelly stops short of confirming Hayes' place in the team, but it is a practical certainty: "Niall is going very well and it is very hard to overlook him.

"Obviously, we haven't picked the team yet so there are a couple of positions up for grabs.

"Niall is definitely in the running. He is an experienced guy and his workrate is second to none." Tweet

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