New Tipperary U20 hurling manager James Woodlock believes the county’s emerging young talent needs time to develop before being expected to consistently compete at the highest level.

Woodlock was appointed as the Premier County’s new U20 supremo on a three-year term last month after having spent the last six years in charge of its minors, winning two All-Ireland titles and three Munster crowns in that time.

Speaking to Tipp FM’s Extra Time, Woodlock said that players’ age needs to be taken into consideration as they attempt to establish themselves against more physically mature opponents at senior level.

“We’re back in the melting pot at senior level with every other county," he stated. "We haven’t shown that we can stay at the top level with these young players yet because some of them are still so young.

“They may have to be 22 or 23 before they’re fully ready. The likes of Darragh (McCarthy), Sam (O'Farrell) and Oisín (O'Donoghue) are still only 20 and 21. They’re so young.

“You go to the club games and some of the players are massively conditioned. Even sending a 20-year-old in against them, it will take time. The Tipp public will have to realise that the work is being done to the absolute maximum and the highest standard possible.

“We need time to embed these players, and Liam needs time to bring them in when they leave U20 and give them another year or two to settle before we can be successful.

“With all the talent we have coming through, you would hope we can continue that conveyor belt into the senior team. When those players mature into their mid-20s, it should sustain us for a good period of time.

“If we can keep that conveyor belt going, you’re only looking for a couple of players every year rather than needing a total influx of youth to rejuvenate the whole thing.”

Tweet

Most Read Stories