Kilkenny's All-Star full back Noel Hickey has been ruled out of Sunday's Leinster SHC final against Dublin. The Dunnamaggin clubman, who missed the semi-final win over Galway, remains sidelined with a knee ligament problem and is believed to be two weeks away from making a comeback. Last year's All-Ireland winning captain James 'Cha' Fitzpatrick has recovered from a broken bone in his hand, but faces a battle with Derek Lyng to partner Michael Rice in midfield. Lyng made a big impression after coming off the bench against Galway and is expected to retain his place at Michael Fennelly's expense. The Cats have also been boosted by regular centre back Brian Hogan's return to light training after he suffered a broken collarbone in the NHL final against Tipperary nearly two months ago. But it's unlikely that he will play any part in Sunday's decider. Dublin, for their part, are hoping that both Alan McCrabbe and Liam Ryan will have recovered from their respective injuries, while Ross O'Carroll could also come into the reckoning for the first time this year after scoring 0-3 from play in last week's Leinster IHC semi-final loss to the Cats. Tweet

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