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The Young Lads

'I would have been a bit critical last year that they didn’t come in' - English happy with youth arrival

Nicky English is happy to see the Premier giving youth its day.

Tipperary celebrate with the trophy Tipperary players celebrating their Munster final win. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

THE WAVE OF young talent that has been blooded into the Tipperary setup this season has been hailed by ex-Tipperary All-Ireland winning boss Nicky English.

Tipperary’s Munster title winning team contained three players who were not part of the 26-man squad that contested last September’s All-Ireland final replay.

U21′s Michael Breen and Ronan Maher have both pushed their way into the senior frame while attacker Niall O’Meara has shaken off injuries to command a starting berth.

In addition Tipperary’s subs bench contained newcomers in Barry Heffernan, Bill Maher and Conor Kenny.

Nicky English Former Tipperary hurling boss Nicky English James Crombie / INPHO James Crombie / INPHO / INPHO

It’s all been met with approval from English, the triumphant supremo back in 2001.

“I think the depth is better, and I think the younger players that have come in, I would have been a bit critical last year that they didn’t come in.

Ronan Maher celebrates Ronan Maher celebrates June's win for Tipperary against Limerick Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

“Ronan Maher, Michael Breen, Niall O’Meara but they are in now. They are all having a great impact.

“It is a 20-man game now and there’s no question that their depth has improved. But Galway’s has as well by the way, they have a lot of guys they can bring in as well.”

Michael Breen celebrates a score Tipperary defender Michael Breen Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

Despite that streak of youth running through their team, English is adamant there is sitll a role for a veteran like Lar Corbett. The Thurles Sarsfields man is the only survivor from English’s time in charge.

“You saw in the All-Ireland final last year, there is a serious danger. He’s had several injuries since again so I don’t know how he is.

Lar Corbett Tipperary's Lar Corbett Morgan Treacy / INPHO Morgan Treacy / INPHO / INPHO

“He did get a bit more game time in the Munster final. I’d be very surprised if he starts against Galway, I don’t (think) he’ll start but if he could keep healthy, if they could get over Galway he could get a run, maybe.

“He has suffered a lot of injuries really so it’s hard to see him starting. I still think he’s a very important player.”

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