Renowned strength and conditioning coach Mike McGurn is surprised that Kilkenny gambled on starting Henry Shefflin in last Sunday's All-Ireland final.

The decision backfired badly with cruciate ligament victim Shefflin only lasting 13 minutes before breaking down.

"Put it this way - it's like me taking a leg off this chair," said the Armagh football trainer yesterday.

"Imagine how stable that would be? If it doesn't get pushed the wrong way you'll be fine; if you get pushed the wrong way it's gonna go so it's very unstable.

"The minimum for that injury is probably seven months … seven to nine months in my experience."

The former Ireland rugby fitness coach is looking forward to his second involvement in the International Rules Series, having been involved in 2006, and plans to travel around the provinces to work on an individual basis with the players who are selected.

"I loved it. It was a tremendous honour. Since Anthony's taken over, we've had some great planning meetings. There's been massive interest.

"Looking at videotapes of past games, you're asking the players to do things they've never done in their lives. It's a total different mindset to catch the ball and stop, or to tackle the player. There will be plenty of work done, either collectively or on an individual basis once the panel has been finalised.

"We've planned it meticulously so once they've picked their final squad we will be going on Friday nights and Saturday mornings and I'll then travel around the provinces and work with people on an individual basis if need be." Tweet

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