Former Limerick star Niall Moran expects two-time Hurler of the Year Cian Lynch to find his form once again before the Treaty’s season is out.
Much like last year, Lynch has had a bit of an interrupted season with injury and he only featured late on against Cork last Sunday as John Kiely’s men booked their Munster SHC final place in dramatic fashion.
Whether or not the Patrickswell ace starts their provincial final date with old rivals Clare on Sunday week in the Gaelic Grounds remains to be seen, but Moran is confident that Lynch still has a huge part to play this year.
“I just think he has to play himself through that form. Of course he can (get back to his best) because he’s greatness personified, he is greatness personified and I just think it’s going to take a little bit of time,” Moran told OurGame this week.
“All he needs is to get one good game behind him and if I was to be critical in the use of Cian in the Tipperary game, I had no issue with him taking up a place in the inside line but just leave him in there for a little bit and settle.
“When you’re not going well, you need to be in your familiar position and you need to be just let ride it out. We’ve all done it when we’re over teams, you’re trying to get the best out of somebody.
“You’re moving him from pillar to post and they’re not settling anywhere and they kind of become uncomfortable looking over their shoulder.”
Citing the use of Gearóid Hegarty, another former Hurler of the Year who bounced back to form against the Rebels with 0-3 from play, Moran believes it might only take one game for Lynch to light it up once again.
“I would have thought in Cian’s case, just leave him at 11 for a while and let him ride it out, he’s not going to be getting in the way so I do think he will get his form back and all you need to do is reference Gearóid,” Moran added.
“What a difference 24 hours makes. If Cian goes out and lights it up against Clare, and maybe now the pressure is not on Cian’s shoulders, it’s shifting to other people.”
