Noel Connors: ‘Negativity’ jibe won’t upset Waterford

Waterford will happily pick up more critics for their style of play if it means they advance on their excellent 2015 season, insists Noel Connors.

The Déise had more than their fair share of brickbats this past season: former Kilkenny defender Eddie O’Connor claimed they were largely to blame for a forgettable hurling year.

Connors is aware of the expectancy on Derek McGrath to make Waterford more offensive over the coming months. For one, many anticipate Austin Gleeson will move into the half-forward line while the return of Pauric Mahony from injury and the further development of Patrick Curran and the Bennett brothers, Stephen and Shane, will add extra dimensions to the attack.