Kilkenny forward Kevin Kelly has undergone knee surgery and will be out of action until July.

The news is a further blow for the Kilkenny camp after it emerged that it was highly unlikely that both Paul Murphy and Colin Fennelly would be available for the opening round of the Leinster SHC. Both players are currently on a tour of duty with the Irish Army in Lebanon.

However, joining them in the absenteeism list is the St Patrick's Ballyragget forward who has been out of action since his side's defeat in the All-Ireland club IHC final.

Indeed, Kelly damaged his articular cartilage in the left knee in the Leinster club final win over Wicklow's Glenealy, but amazingly continued to play out the rest of the year.

Speaking to the Kilkenny People, Kelly admitted that he was surprised to discover that the damage was so severe as he starts his rehabilitation. This will see him on crutches for eight weeks.

"I was shocked when I learned the full extent of the injury," said Kelly. "It is very disappointing, but there is nothing that I can do unfortunately. All I can do is work hard and get back playing as quickly as I can."

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