Davy Fitzgerald has reiterated his view that there should be more teams in Division 1A of the Allianz Hurling League.

Speaking after Clare defeated Cork after extra-time to retain their top-flight status, Fitzgerald said: "We're now in 1A. I'm still of the same opinion as I was last week.

"I would love to see more teams and more games. I feel the league was rushed through. Four weeks-in-a-row - we played three savage games and then fell flat in our last game. To get up four weeks in-a-row is hard going and a bit unfair. Why not start at the end of January?

"They're on about interfering with club fixtures - you start the end of January and replace the Waterford Crystal. We're all playing matches from the first week of January on.

"End of January and let's go right through to the end of April - it would be the same thing, eight or nine matches, and let's not forget about other teams. I think they'll perform better if they're up against the bigger teams. They might get a few beatings but they will improve.

"The better the teams you play, the more you're going to improve and I'm not saying it as a Clareman. I'm saying it as a hurling person."

The Banner boss added: "I think it's logical sense to have more teams in Division 1. Ten teams would be my preference - the six that are there already and top four in 1B. Let us have nine games - the football have a lot of games spread over longer. Why can' the hurling start earlier." Tweet

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