Barrett – You’re only as good as your next game

Limerick Under-19 manager Tommy Barrett knows his players are on a “learning curve” and he is hoping they can bounce back from their midweek setback on Sunday, insisting “you’re only as good as your next game”.

The young Shannonsiders welcome Wexford Youths to Hogan Park in the National League on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 2pm), looking to put Wednesday’s surprise home defeat by Waterford United firmly behind them.

After dominating throughout – missing a golden opportunity to break the deadlock from the penalty spot during the first half – Limerick were sucker-punched in the dying seconds by Jake Mooney’s unstoppable shot.

Barrett knows his team are already “playing catch-up” going into their third game, but he hopes they can show their quality with the perfect response.

“They’re young lads, it’s a learning curve and hopefully they’ll move on and we’ll kick on against Wexford,” Tommy told LimerickFC.ie.

“It shouldn’t be hard to pick them up. It should be out of the system. I know a lot of people use clichés like ‘you’re only as good as your last game’, but I would always say certainly you’re only as good as your next game, really.

“You go and play that, you focus on that and you forget about the last game. Hopefully, we will get back to winning ways.”

Limerick had opened their campaign with an excellent come-from-behind win at Cobh Ramblers last Sunday, but with a defeat in their second game, they have already lost ground at the top.

“That’s what happens when you drop points,” Tommy said. “No disrespect to Waterford but I don’t think it’s the same Waterford team as it was last season.

“Waterford were very good last year and this team are a young team and they’re in transition. I would expect more from our lads in a game like that.

“But that happens. We did it to teams last season. I know what it feels like. We are playing catch-up but there’s a long way to go at the same time. We’re capable of beating anybody and anybody is capable of beating us. It’s the performance we’re looking for and we’re looking for lads to learn.”

Looking ahead to Sunday’s test, the boss added: “I think Wexford are stronger this year by looking at their teamsheet. They have a couple of lads in from Waterford, like Daryl Power. He’s a good striker; he was very good for Waterford last year.

“They should be stronger. Again, there are no easy games in this league. We’ll go in with our strongest team possible and hopefully we’ll get a result.”