TJ Reid reckons Henry Shefflin has the legs to go for 11 with Kilkenny.
Reid and Shefflin were Kilkenny colleagues in September when King Henry won a record 10th All-Ireland medal.
The pair will line out for their club Ballyhale today in the county final against holders Clara. Shefflin is undecided about his county future but a sixth title in nine seasons would mean another Leinster club campaign.
And staying in peak fitness over winter could convince Shefflin to give it another go with Kilkenny.
Hurler of the Year nominee Reid said: “He’s still flying high, he’s like a young lad. He’s 35, but the legs are as good as ever.
“He’ll probably be meeting up with the Kilkenny management to discuss the year gone and his own situation and hopefully he does agree to give it another go.
“I personally hope he does. I hope there’s no retirements at all. But everyone has families and different situations, some lads are married, have kids or whatever.”
It will take Shefflin at his best to regain the county crown.
Ballyhale have a host of star names including Michael and Colin Fennelly and Joey Holden.
But Clara are the holders and their title defence has been impressive so far. Reid said: “The energy you have coming up to a county final is huge. Winning the All-Ireland with Kilkenny is good but this is a different sort of feeling. It’s exciting in a different way.
“From one to 15 on the team and up to 35 on the panel, everyone really wants to do it. But it’s the same with Clara. They’re hungry for it as well and obviously know what it takes after last year.”
The winners will be back in Leinster club semi-final action next weekend against Kilmacud Crokes. But in-form Reid said: “That’s the last thing on our mind. Colm Bonnar and Andy Moloney are in charge of us and they’ve got everyone totally focused on this match.
“Leinster will take care of itself if we get there.”
