Waterford football boss Ephie Fitzgerald is hoping to make Fraher Field a fortress for Saturday's Munster quarter final against Tipperary.
He says that a strong home support will spur them on. "It would make a huge difference. I think people will come out. Whatever it is about the stand in Fraher Field, it does generates a lot of noise. I know from playing there myself over the years and being with the ladies teams, it's not an easy place to come to. We'd hope to make the atmosphere a bit hostile for them. Certainly, we want to make it as difficult as we can for them. It's an opportunity for us to stand up and give a good performance."
The Déise are searching for their first win of 2022. Fitzgerald wants his side to be competitive. "Application really and that they'll free themselves up and play. There's some very, very good players. I don't want anybody to be stymied by nerves or the occasion. Just go out and implement what we've been working on and give everything for the jersey."
Fitzgerald wanted to see more spite from his players before the league started. "It's improving. They're very brave, they're courageous in everything they do. Playing at inter county level, it's dog eat dog. You have to be ruthless in lots of ways but I think we're getting a little bit of that now. We're beginning to talk more. It's a very quiet team, fellas are slow to voice their opinions but that's improving. It takes time. Rome wasn't built in a day. Everything I've asked for from the players, I've got and they're to be commended for that. They've given us everything. I'd be very disappointed if we don't give a good account of ourselves on Saturday night."
Listen back to the full interview with Ephie Fitzgerald from Friday's Lár Na Páirce.
