Clare hurling manager Brian Lohan is hopeful to continue to give new players opportunities throughout the league campaign to bolster the overall strength of the panel.

Kilkenny exacted a degree of revenge for All Ireland Semi Final and Allianz League Final defeats to the Banner last year, finishing the stronger to seal a two point win in Cusack park yesterday.

Both Conor Leen and David McInerney were forced off the field early, adding to the growing injury list within the Clare squad.

Lohan says resources are stretched at the moment, however, given the depth of the panel, confidence is high that other players will step up to the mantle.