Waterford under-21 selector Kieran O'Gorman believes that their All-Ireland success in the grade this year can lead to bigger things.
O'Gorman is confident that winning the All-Ireland under-21 hurling title can be a stepping stone to the Liam McCarthy Cup.
The Decies impressed throughout the under-21 campaign and O'Gorman told the Waterford News & Star that the talent is in the county to win an All-Ireland senior title.
"There is a good team there for next year," said O'Gorman. "There's no bad Waterford teams anymore in my opinion.
"We're really on the up as a county and I would just love to see the big one coming back."