Tipperary boss Michael Ryan says his side will be ready for their National League opener with Dublin on Saturday week despite taking the decision to forgo any pre-season competitions last month.

The Premier men did not compete in the Munster Senior Hurling League, instead sticking to training sessions and challenge matches with a panel of 40, and Ryan says his side are now relishing their date with the Dubs on February 13 at Semple Stadium.

"I think we will be ready. We set out our stall, we had quite a tight window for ourselves to get ready from a hurling perspective as opposed to physical work, lots of that has taken place pre-Christmas," Ryan told the Irish Examiner. 

"But it's great to have a focus, it's the start of an absolutely hectic six-week period and we literally won't get time to draw breath so we have to be prepared.

"In terms of doing further training or conditioning work, it's literally almost game by game by game, you're not getting a huge amount of additional work done."

As for the retirements of key players Lar Corbett, James Woodlock, Shane McGrath and Conor O'Mahony towards the end of last year, Ryan feels that it has opened up the door for others to step up to the mark.

"I think one of the most noticeable things is there's opportunity opened up here," he said.

"That happens all the time, we're constantly changing in all facets of life and sport is no different."

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