Seven players to watch in the 2019 National Hurling League

Ahead of the start of the Allianz Hurling League action, we take a look at seven players who could make a name for themselves in the coming months.

Colin Guilfoyle (Clare)

The Newmarket-on-Fergus star raised green flags in all three of Clare's Munster Senior League ties, as he scored a total of 3-4 in the wins over Cork, Waterford and Tipperary.

As Clare are set to be without Shane O'Donnell for the duration of the National League, there is an opportunity for another forward to stake a claim for summer inclusion. Judging by his early-season form, Guilfoyle will likely be handed a chance to impress in the coming weeks.

If he can maintain his scoring levels, he could make a real splash for the Banner.

Declan Dalton (Cork)

John Meyler has openly admitted he must add depth to his panel in order to compete for top honours, after the Rebels let a six-point lead slip in the closing stages of last year's All-Ireland semi-final.

Dalton was one of the standout stars for Cork at U21 level over the last two years, and will be looking to impress the senior manager this spring. Scoring 0-19 across the two Munster Senior League games, the Fr O'Neills club man has done enough to earn a shot in the league.

Huw Lawlor (Kilkenny)

A member of the Kilkenny U21 side that reached the All-Ireland final in 2017, Lawlor was tried at full-back against Wexford in the Walsh Cup, as Brian Cody may look to free Padraig Walsh further forward to the half-back line.

Having impressed on the edge of the square at club level for O'Loughlin Gaels, while also playing at full-back for UCD in the Fitzgibbon Cup, Lawlor has won plaudits and will be keen to make the black and amber No 3 jersey his own in the coming weeks.

John Hetherton (Dublin)

Hetherton has been a peripheral member of the Dublin panel in recent years, but early indications suggest he is central to Mattie Kenny's plans. The St Vincent's powerhouse has been trusted with free-taking duties, scoring 29 points across the four games in the Dubs' Walsh Cup campaign.

While he is likely to miss Saturday's clash with Carlow due to his red card during the loss to Galway two weeks ago, Hetherton could have a key role to play as the Sky Blues bid for promotion back to Division 1A.

Brian Concannon (Galway)

Concannon impressed in his championship debut last summer scoring 2-1 against Offaly, but game time was limited in the aftermath. As the Tribesmen build towards the summer in Division 1B, Micheal Donoghue may be eager to freshen up his side, having being criticised in the aftermath of the 2018 decider for a reluctance to give others a chance.

The Killimordaly star has shown when given a chance in the maroon jersey that he is capable of adding meaningful scoring tallies.

The Leinster champions will be hoping to end a three-year stay in Division 1B with promotion this springtime, and Concannon's scoring could be key to this.

Brian McGrath (Tipperary)

With older brothers Noel and John firmly established as two of Tipperary's premier forwards, the youngest sibling will be eager to burst into the county side in the coming weeks.

After helping his county to minor and U21 All-Ireland titles in recent years, Brian McGrath is one of the county's top prospects.

With Liam Sheedy on the lookout for a solution at full-back, having played Padraic Maher at No 3 against Kerry and Clare in the last month, the Portroe man may turn to the Loughmore-Castleiney youngster to fill the gap.

After missing the pre-season due to injury, he will be eager to recover and nail down a starting berth.

Conor Boylan (Limerick)

A member of the 2017 U21 All-Ireland winning side, the 2018 season came too soon for Boylan at senior level. However, the Na Piarsaigh youngster has shown real promise at underage with Limerick and also with the club in recent seasons.

After being handed his debut in the Munster Senior League loss to Tipperary, Boylan will be aiming to gain more experience in the coming weeks. John Kiely has shown he is a manager who is not afraid of giving youth a chance, and Boylan will among those looking to impress throughout the National League.