WATERS VITAL TO THE CAUSE
Daithí’s experience crucial
IT HASN’T been the easiest of starts for Shane Roche and his Wexford Senior football management team, but he believes the return to full fitness of the experienced Daithí Waters is crucial to their prospects for the new season.
The St. Martin’s clubman suffered a horrible ankle injury when assisting his club in the early minutes of last year’s hurling championship, with his season restricted as a result.
Despite that setback, he worked his way back to play a part in the county’s two delayed league games and championship outing against Wicklow from October 17 to November 1.
‘Daithí had been carrying a back problem which ultimately led to the ankle injury,’ Roche said.
‘But after having the injury assessed and with top-class treatment he was able to play some part in those delayed games.
‘In the pre-season, Daithí has been working on his own individual fitness and is in great shape at the moment. I expect him to return showing a high degree of fitness and ready to contribute to the squad.
‘His experience and football ability is crucial to a side that is a mixture of experience and youth.
‘He will bring that experience and physicality to the outfield. It’s great to have him back.
‘Along with Brian (Malone) and Ben (Brosnan), their experience will be invaluable.
‘When you have experienced players like that to mix with the younger players, it’s easier to get momentum.
‘There’s no denying that the return of a fully-fit Daithí leaves the squad in a healthier position,’ Roche added.
There are few players who have made such a massive contribution to Wexford football.
A big change in Wexford’s play around the middle third was noticeable on the return of Waters, with the team management now expecting even more this season.
‘Daithí still has loads left in him. It’s not just a case of him turning up, the younger players look up to him.
‘His message is clear - we want to win games. We are all in this together so we are looking forward to having a fully-fit Daithí.’
While Roche is hailing the return of Waters, he is resigned to being without two players for the opening stages of the new playing season.
Ciarán Kavanagh (HWH-Bunclody) and Tom Byrne (Kilmore) have both been ruled out for the foreseeable future with shoulder injuries.
Roche, who is carrying a squad of 38 players for individual training programmes, will not be adding to that figure.
‘Ciarán underwent surgery on his shoulder on Saturday and will be out for four to five months,’ Roche said.
‘As regards Tom, he suffered a shoulder injury in work. He is undergoing intensive treatment at the moment.
‘It’s not yet known how long he will be out, but it will be quite some time.’
Apart from those two issues, the squad is relatively injury-free at present.
‘They are all working on their physical conditioning. We will utilise this extra time to improve our physical strength to meet the challenges once games resume.
‘Once we get the green light for games we will be ready.’