English takes no comfort in Back Door
Despite losing the backbone of his team through injury, Tipperary senior hurling Manager Nicky English is taking no comfort in the fact that defeat for his charges against Clare in Sunday's Munster championship clash does not mean the end of the road for his team.
English does not want to know about the fall back scenario of the back door and instead is concentrating on the positives ahead of the predicted titanic battle.
"In reality few teams will give consideration to the back door system. Certainly if you are defeated it¹s nice to know that you are still in with a chance. But, ultimately you think of winning the provincial championship," he said.
"Tipperary supporters who admired the team for what they achieved last year, simply want them to retain the title. It¹s never easy to put titles back to back. However, it does take something special."
Describing the game as a 50/50 one, English is full of admiration for Clare and says that they would love to defeat Tipp on Sunday.
"You are looking at some of the finest players of the modern era and while they may be at a critical juncture in their careers, be sure of one thing, they are ready to give this game a mighty go.
"They won¹t need motivation against Tipp and they will not care about our reputation as All-Ireland champions. How they will relish the scalp of Tipperary at this stage," he said.
