Herron expects tough Clare test

Despite some observers pointing to a current crisis in Clare hurling, Antrim half-back Ciaran Herron has a different perspective on today's All-Ireland SHC qualifier between the Glensmen and the Banner at Casement Park (throw-in 2.30pm).

Clare may be missing some notable players due to injuries and suspensions for the trip to Belfast but those thoughts have not been entertained in Antrim, with Herron's side are also affected by the non-availability of players.

"We have players missing through injury and other reasons as well and that's the way it goes," Herron told breakingnews.ie.

Antrim's half-back line is decimated at present with Malachy Molloy, Neal McAuley and Kevin Elliott all absent due to injuries. Both Molloy and McAuley are recovering from hand injuries while the 25-year-old Elliott has hurt his knee.

Cushendall's Brian Delargy is also unavailable for the game due to work commitments while key forward Paddy Richmond is getting married and was unable to commit fully to the training schedule.

"As far as we are concerned, Antrim are playing Clare and that's what we are focused on. We are just worried about getting ourselves right for the game, we are not bothered about any of this stuff about Clare."

Herron believes that today's game will provide a good insight into how the Saffrons team has developed through the Ulster championship.

"It's a massive game for us and I think we are really looking forward to it. Obviously Clare are going into the game as big favourites and it is going to be a massive test for us to see what progression we have made this year," he said.

Joint-managers Terence 'Sambo' McNaughton and Dominic McKinley have brought great experience to this Antrim set-up, according to Herron.

"The two managers have been looking after our minor teams for the last few years and they had a few good teams that were unlucky not to make the breakthrough. They were beaten by Galway by a point last year and Limerick the year before by a point.

"'Woody' (McKinley) managed Jordanstown this year and they won the Division Two hurling league title, there were a lot of Antrim hurlers involved so it was another good stepping stone for us.

"Players in the Antrim squad as well, a good few of us have been around for a lot of years now and it's about time that we pulled together, with the younger players coming in, and really made the breakthrough."

The Lamh Dhearg clubman believes that for Antrim to bring their hurling to the next level the catalyst is to get more clubs at a higher competitive level within the county.

"Over the last couple of years the club teams have been able to compete at inter-county level. You have Dunloy who were in three All-Ireland finals and were unfortunate not to win one of them, Cushendall have also been competing at the top level and have been unfortunate also," he surmised.

"I think the rest of the other clubs need to lift it to the level of those two clubs if we are to have a more competitive club league and championship and that would obviously add to the county team if things are more competitive."