Derek Lyng responds to Kilkenny critics following improved Tipperary performance

Kilkenny manager Derek Lyng has described his side’s final-round Allianz Hurling League draw with Tipperary as a 'step forward,' while stressing the need for greater consistency in performances going forward.- MATCH SUMMARY HERE

Lyng's team have come under heavy criticism from supporters and former players following their 18-point defeat to Galway at Salthill, their heaviest loss since 1954.

However, the Cats' response on Saturday night against their near neighbours has given the Kilkenny boss some reason for optimism, while admitting the panel have had to 'face up to' the negative reaction.

"It's high-performance sport. I think we were all hurting after the last day and you know what, we have to accept that as well. It wasn't good enough the last day," Lyng told Kilkenny People Sport.

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"There's no point in burying our heads in the sand. You have to face up to it, and that's what I was most pleased about today, our response but look, it was a good response today, but this has to be the response now going forward.

"We have a massive four weeks ahead of us now. We need to utilise that (training) as best as possible because Leinster Championship is going to be ultra competitive, and we know we're going to have to improve considerably," he added, stating, "today was a step forward, performance-wise in the right direction, but we need to keep driving it on now."

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