Waterford manager Derek McGrath is encouraged about the possibility of a new format for the All Ireland Hurling Championship.

Responding to speculation about a restructuring of the competition, McGrath feels it would be hugely beneficial with group games in Munster and Leinster.

"I’ve been championing that from a year ago, or an alteration to the league set-up," McGrath stated at the Munster Championships launch in Killarney on Monday evening.

"Looking at the changes, I welcome them, I have to say. Clearly the Munster and Leinster Councils still retain power, if you like, but the two home and two away games would be welcome.

"Speaking to some players, I could possibly see a dilution of the League. As a manager you’re trying to prepare for four championship games in May-June - I’m not sure of the calendar - and then preparing for two League-type Championship games . . . where does the Munster League or Walsh Cup fit in? That’s normally January, then you’re heading to February. It looks like I’m finding fault, but I’m not."

McGrath reckons a new format would assist the club game also. "Going back to my original point, if you went back to two groups of six in the league coinciding with the proposals, then it might lighten the League for everybody.

"If the League came to January-February, and then you shut down March and April for the clubs, then the Championship begins - I’m not sure if that’s the definitive calendar, and I don’t know how provincial officials would feel about it, but in my own head that’s how the calendar would be.

"When it comes to  club fixtures, the reality is that the fourth or fifth teams could be finished in mid-June, I’d say, by the sound of the proposals. In that case your club championship would run fairly well.

"I’d have faith in the hurling committee - I don’t think they’re reactionary but that those were their proposals anyway, it’s just the football structure has probably accelerated them drawing up those plans."

McGrath also revealed that Philip Mahony, Conor Gleeson, and Barry Coughlan are on the comeback trail following recent injuries.

"Philip Mahony will be good to go. Conor Gleeson got good news, his hand was wired up but those will be taken out in the next two weeks and within a week of that he’ll be hurling, so he’ll have three weeks of good hurling preparation.

"Barry Coughlan has a scan next Tuesday but his jaw isn’t wired, and if the scan shows it’s healing naturally, he’ll need a couple of weeks of proper nutrition. He’s been eating smoothies and hasn’t eaten properly for a month."