Michael Kavanagh has expressed surprise at Kieran Joyce's inclusion in the Kilkenny team at the expense of Brian Hogan for tomorrow's All-Ireland SHC final replay.

Joyce comes in at centre back with Padraig Walsh and John Power also getting their call-up papers in place of Joey Holden and Walter Walsh.

"Kieran Joyce coming back in, he hasn't started a game since the first Galway game, the Leinster semi-final, so he hasn't played in a while but obviously he must be going well in training and Brian's seen something in him that could work on Saturday evening," the eight-time All-Ireland winning corner back said on RTE Radio's Morning Ireland programme.

"Obviously Kieran Joyce and John Power must have been playing very well [in training] and put up their hand for inclusion.

"Brian Cody, true to form, is not afraid to make changes. In 2012 he went for Walter Walsh and it's similar maybe with John Power. He is giving him his go; he must be in a rich vein of form."

Kavanagh added: "Padraig Walsh's inclusion was probably expected, he did well when he came in on the last day. He was very unlucky to lose out. Joey Holden losing out, he's had a terrific year for Kilkenny and he's a bit unfortunate."

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