Davy Fitzgerald warns fans to expect another chess match in replay
Fitzgerald’s Clare and opponents Waterford fought out a 0-22 to 0-22 draw in Thurles last Sunday, a game that was nip and tuck all the way into extra-time.
Between them, the counties racked up 39 wides, a figure that can be attributed to poor long-range shooting and the paucity of space in which to operate, with both sides clogging the middle territory.
And Fitzgerald hinted that fans expecting a change of approach will be left disappointed.
He said: “It’s going to be the same again. If we play another way, we’re not going to have a chance.
“I’ve looked at Waterford’s All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny last year a few times now.
“The Kilkenny goal was against the run of play and Waterford are way better than they were last year. They’ll be in the shake-up.”
Speaking after last Sunday’s game, Fitzgerald was pleased with how Clare coped with the Waterford system.
And as he prepares for the replay, he once again heaped praise on Derek McGrath’s work with the Déise.
Fitzgerald added: “They’ve come up with something that suits them, and they trust themselves. It was the first time we’ve come across it.”
Fitzgerald has ruled defender David McInerney out of his plans once again but Conor Ryan, ruled out since the Tipperary quarter-final victory with a calf injury, could make the Clare bench next Sunday.
Fitzgerald also indicated that Paul Flanagan, omitted from the starting line-up last Sunday with concussion, could also feature in the match-day panel if he comes through the necessary return-to-play protocols, but John Conlon is a long-term absentee, with ankle ligament damage.
The Banner County boss also expressed his delight with Tony Kelly’s return to a starting role last Sunday. “We’re delighted with Tony’s first full game in three and a half months.
“Our injury situation is exactly the same as last week. Paul Flanagan might be added to the panel if he gets through the protocols this week. We’re not sure about David McInerney and Conor Ryan could make it too.”
Former Déise star Paul Flynn also expects the replay to follow a similar pattern to the drawn game.
“I like goalmouth action and 50-50 contests but that’s out the window.
“They (Waterford) don’t play a 50-50 ball unless they’re forced into it. High fielding is gone out of it, and the big, burly full-forward who catches the ball and brings others into the game is gone. Will we go back to that in 10 years’ time? I don’t know.
“But you can dominate a team now from the middle of the field and if you’re accurate, winning the tackle, offloading and shooting.
“Waterford have a very good bunch of players, not just 10 or 12, they’re well over that quota. The skilful players are as skilful as any I can remember playing for Waterford, the likes of Shane Bennett, Austin Gleeson, Darragh Fives, phenomenal players.
“Young (Jamie) Barron at midfield can turn on a sixpence, carry the ball and find a man 60 yards away with a chest pass.”
Flynn believes Waterford can follow the lead of another outsider all the way to All-Ireland glory this year. Though he’d like an injection of star quality.
“Waterford have a balanced team like Leicester, talented fellas that drive each other along. But they don’t have a TJ Reid. If TJ Reid was playing for Waterford they’d win the All-Ireland.”
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