Lee and Galway gun for U21 glory

Defender John Lee believes the bond of friendship and evident strength in depth in the current Galway team has his side ideally placed to step up their quest for All-Ireland Under-21 hurling championship glory this weekend.

Galway, who were last champions at the grade in 2005, meet Cork in an enticing All-Ireland U-21 semi-final in Thurles on Saturday and centre-back Lee feels the men from the west are in excellent physical and mental shape for the clash.

"The players are all very good friends and we want to win for each other more than trying to win for the county. We have been a great team all of the way up, we have won minors together and we have just been great friends so we just get on and enjoy it," said the Liam Mellows clubman.

Speaking at today's launch of the AIB All-Ireland Kilmacud Crokes Hurling Sevens tournament, Lee admitted that he has been impressed with what he has seen of Cork, the Munster U-21 champions, this year as well as Leinster winners Dublin, who beat Derry last weekend to reach the All-Ireland decider.

"I saw Cork in the Munster final this year and I watched the Dubs playing Offaly and both were very impressive but we have a very strong team this year and won't be easy to beat," he insisted.

"We haven't played that much together as a whole team but if we gel together we'll be a strong force."

Lee has experience of playing Cork - he was part of the Galway team that beat the Rebels in a minor semi-final three years ago.

"We beat Cork in the semi-final three years ago at minor level and our goalkeeper was man of the match that day. We won the game by four points in the end but we were lucky enough to do so really."

Galway will not let a lack of competitive matches this summer count against them according to Lee, who has been away with Ger Loughnane's senior panel for most of the season.

"The boys are very fit, they have had six or seven weeks of solid training while we have been with the seniors. The club championship finished up in June so they would have a lot done with the clubs also. Everyone would be fit and sharp at the moment and training is progressing well," said the 20-year-old.

Challenge games against Waterford Intermediates and club sides Toomevara and Coolderry have offered positive preparation for the Tribesmen.

"Waterford were ahead by a goal at half-time and we only won by five points in the end. They have been good games but obviously Cork will have an advantage from that point of view," Lee added.

One man who could help Galway turn the tables this weekend is Joe Canning, who decided against making the step-up to senior inter-county hurling in 2007. Lee is delighted that the teenage sensation from Portumna is on board with the county's Under-21 hurlers.

"All you have to do as a back to get the ball towards Joe in any direction at all and he will always get scores for you. We would have loved to have him (in the seniors) and he would have been a huge addition to us.

"But he wanted to take a year out and maybe it was the best thing for him. He will probably come on an awful lot and he will be there next year, I have no doubt about that. In the long run he may have made a good decision."