No let‑up for Cork minors as Keith Ricken targets perfect Munster final build‑up against Waterford

Cork have already booked their place in the Electric Ireland Munster MFC final, but Keith Ricken insists there will be no drop in standards when his side face Waterford in Páirc Uí Rinn on Monday evening at 7pm.

The Rebels have two wins from two in Phase 2 after victories over Clare and Kerry, while Waterford — beaten in both of their opening games — are out of contention for a place in the decider.

The fixture may not carry consequences for the table, but Ricken views it as an important step in Cork’s preparation for the provincial final.

The Cork boss has been clear throughout this campaign that momentum matters. They were outstanding in the 3-18 to 1-14 win over Kerry last Monday in Tralee.

“We’re two wins from two with a game to spare, which is great,” Ricken says. “It gives an opportunity for other guys, because there are a number of lads knocking on the door, but the hardest thing to do is to pick a team. It really is very, very difficult.

“There are so many young lads here and there’s only a kick — not even a kick of a ball sometimes — between them. It’s just a flip of a coin, really, and they’re all putting their hand up and they’re all working hard.” 

Ricken highlighted the impact of his substitutes in the Kerry game as evidence of the hunger within the group.

“We brought on five subs against Kerry and they made a big difference,” he said.

They wanted that ball, always wanted the ball, and they will do that whether they’re winning or losing in their matches so far this year.

“We have to bring on this panel. This Waterford game will be an opportunity for other fellas to put their hand up and say, this is what we want, we want to stake a claim.” 

ROTATION

Cork’s injury situation is manageable, though a handful of players remain on the cautious list.

“We’re lucky enough with injuries at the moment. We’ve a few small knocks. We just took it easy with them against Kerry. We were always going to be rotating the squad anyway.

“It’s like anything else: when someone goes, someone comes in. Like Lannigan’s Ball — one steps in, one steps out again.” 

Despite the temptation to treat the Waterford game as a low-pressure outing, Ricken was firm that Cork’s approach will not change.

“Business as usual. I have to do it. If I approach it differently, then the lads will approach it differently. Then what we’re doing has been a waste of time. We approached the last two games with a proper way of doing things and a good ethic and a business-like performance. There’ll be no difference against Waterford.

“We’ve watched their games on Clubber and put a few things together from the earlier rounds. They are a big, physical side. We will be prepared for it, make no mistake about it.”