Five challenges facing Liam Sheedy with Tipperary

Following Liam Sheedy's appointment as Tipperary manager on Monday night, we look at five areas he must address.

Address fullback line woes

The lack of a settled fullback line in the last two seasons has caused the Premier some issues. James Barry flanked by Cathal Barrett and Michael Cahill saw Tipp remain watertight at the back en route to the 2016 All-Ireland title.

The impressive form of Brian McGrath in the county's run to the U21 All-Ireland this year will give Sheedy food for thought. Settling on the right men in the right positions early in the year is imperative.

Find his best team, and get it settled

Michael Ryan was left to rue the constant changes throughout the year, as there were signs he wasn't fully sure of his strongest XV for the championship. While they made it through to the final of the National League, Ryan kept the changes coming which may have ultimately unsettled the side.

The task for Sheedy is to marry the experience in the squad of the All-Ireland win in 2016 (and 2010 in some cases) with the young talent coming through from this year's successful U21 side.

Peak at the right time

In late March last year, Tipperary were favourites for the Munster Championship and were front-runners for the All-Ireland in many people's minds. However, All-Irelands aren't won in Springtime as they failed to overcome sides who had struggled in the League, showing it's all about peaking at the right time of the year.

Make home advantage count

If 2018 proved one thing, it's the enormity of home advantage in hurling. Waterford's struggles in Munster showed just that, while home wins for Clare over Limerick, Galway over Kilkenny and Kilkenny over Wexford were also examples.

Tipperary had one draw and one loss to show for their two Munster ties in Semple Stadium. Given that the Thurles venue has played host to so many Munster Championship clashes down through the years, it holds no fear for other counties.

Sheedy and Tipp must implement that fear with their performances, and the Tipp public will respond.

Repeat the trick

It's simple - Tipperary managers are judged on whether or not they win the Liam MacCarthy Cup.

While Declan Ryan and Eamon O'Shea had bright patches throughout their reigns, those years were ultimately deemed unsuccessful as they failed to land the big one.

Sheedy will know just how high expectations can be. He has a talented squad who weren't too far away in 2018. Tipp aren't in a bad place heading into 2019.