Having spent all of last year out injured, Kilkenny full back Noel Hickey was delighted to make his championship return against Dublin last Sunday.

Hickey's last taste of championship action came at the latter end of 2008 and many feared that his inter county career could be over, but the Dunnamaggin clubman is relieved to be back in the side.

Surprisingly, Hickey admitted to being nervous before the match, but he pointed out that was the case before all big games.

"To tell the truth I'd always be nervous even two years ago, going out there before a game," said Hickey. "You'd wonder how things would go in a game, how it all will work out, but it's grand once you get that first ball in your hand and clear it.

"You could ask any of the lads in the dressingroom, and I'm sure they'd agree that there are a few nerves when you get to Croke Park. It was good to be back out there and to get the win. Getting a game under your belt was important, but I felt it went alright." Tweet

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