Gleeson plays down favourites tag
September 09, 2016
Waterfords Austin Gleeson
Waterford's Austin Gleeson believes that the favourites tag means nothing to them ahead of Saturday's All-Ireland U21 HC final.
The Decies are warm favourites to lift the title for the first time since 1992 as they prepare to face Galway in the decider at Semple Stadium.
Waterford are well used to being favourites this year as it is something that has bestowed upon them in all their matches so far.
But, Gleeson stressed to the Waterford News & Star that it is a situation that has never bothered them as the management team has always kept them grounded.
"They've just said to forget about it. It goes back to the saying that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard," said Gleeson.
"If we don't work hard, we are going to get beaten. There's no second chances at under-21, everyone has to turn up and play well.
"Thankfully, so far we're after turning up in the second half of games and playing well. We know that if we don't turn up for the first half the next day that it's going to be a lot harder to crawl back.
"The lads are just emphasising the work rate and as long as we do that, we'll be alright."
