Michael Walsh says Down need to get back their winning mentality, starting at underage level.

The 1999 All-Ireland MFC winner has been named as part of Conor Deegan's Down U21 backroom team and he feels the Mourne County need to become more competitive again at that level:

"Down hasn't been successful at minor or U21 level in recent years, so it's about trying to change that. When you're not winning, players develop a mentality that needs to be changed," the Mayobridge clubman told The Irish News.

"Even if we can make them more competitive and change the whole mentality, get them on the right physical route, doing the right things. The ultimate goal is to try and produce better senior footballers.

"Part of our role is to try and be competitive and try and win something at U21, but ultimately it's about developing the boys better physically and mentally, and leaving them in a better position to move on to the seniors."

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