Michael Ryan insists that Tipperary are focused on winning the Liam McCarthy Cup and won't be settling for second best this time.

The Tipp selector believes the players could hold their heads up high after pushing Kilkenny to the wire in last year's All-Ireland final, but admits the expectations are greater now.

"There is a greater urgency to win this time, absolutely there is," the former corner back said.

"That's a natural expectation. There would have been a sense of great pride in the performance levels last year. That's fine when you're building a team and building momentum. But ultimately the test is: Can you win an All-Ireland? There's no joy in being number two."

Ryan is in no doubt that Tipp are better equipped to dethrone Kilkenny this time around.

"I certainly believe we are better than last year. For us we are going out to improve by concentrating our efforts on our squad because that's all we can control. I certainly believe that we have a more even panel. I don't tend to focus too much on the opposition.

"We certainly have more headaches when we pick a panel and that's the best barometer." Tweet

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