DUNNE ALL SET TO RETURN
Further information requested on Dunbar transfer bid
COMPLACENCY WILL not be a problem as Wexford focus on their Allianz Hurling League Division 1A clash with Tipperary at Semple Stadium, Thurles, on Saturday (7 p.m.).
It’s plain to be seen that Wexford need at least two more points from their remaining three group game to copper-fasten their stay in the top flight.
Meanwhile, the Premier county, with one victory and one defeat from their two games played, will be seeking another win to enhance their prospects of making the knockout stages of the league.
David Dunne, man of the match in the opening round victory over Waterford, will make a return to the starting 15, having missed out on the win over Cork owing to the death of his grandfather.
He will prove a real addition to the goal-scoring threat up front, as he rattled the net twice in that opening game, while the side was held goal-less in the victory over Cork.
Looking back on both games to date, little change is expected apart from the returning Dunne, but Jack Guiney is pushing hard for inclusion in the starting team, having impressed during his two substitute appearances.
After coming through months of hard training, the big Rathnure attacker is now back to full fitness which, going with his undoubted hurling skills, would bring a huge physical impact to the attacking set-up.
Another important feature is his scoring ability from long-range frees, which was missing from the Cork victory until Guiney took on the responsibility with a mighty 80-metre pointed free to go along with a similar effort from play.
While Wexford are looking towards having a settled side, it’s important that defender Damien Reck is also fit to take the right corner-back role.
Forced out with an ankle problem in the first-half against Cork, the Oylegate-Glenbrien clubman has resumed training, and will be available to take his place in defence.
After Tipperary’s initial loss to Clare, they bounced back with a victory over Waterford, but will look on this home game as an ideal opportunity to claim back-toback victories, and lift themselves towards the top of the table.
While they have been somewhat in experimental mode, one can expect a strengthed side as they prepare for the challenge with the table-toppers.
The Tipperary game will be a whole new scenario. With victories over Waterford and Cork, Wexford can now expect a tough challenge from the home side, who will be fully prepared for whatever they bring to the table.
However, Wexford will be looking forward to this challenge, as it will present another opportunity to ascertain how ready they actually are to mix it with the big boys on a consistent basis.
Wexford are building on confidence, but it’s still going to take a consistent performance over the 70 minutes if they are to atone for last year’s league semi-final defeat at the hands of the same opposition.
Meanwhile, on the domestic transfer front the proposed move of Cathal Dunbar from his native Ballygarrett to Naomh Eanna (Gorey) has been put on hold.
One of the most talked about transfers of recent times, Dunbar’s application came before the C.C.C.C. on Wednesday night.
Following representations to the meeting, a decision has been deferred as the committee have asked the County Board office for further clarification on the move before a decision is arrived at.
The most high-profile football transfer is that of Jamie Myler. Last year’s Minor star has had his move from St. James’ (Ramsgrange) to neighbours Horeswood sanctioned by the committee.
In all, some 140 transfers came before the committee in what was a very busy night for player movement.