Allianz Hurling League Preview: Clare

Manager: Davy Fitzgerald (2nd year)Captain: Pat DonnellanAllianz League 2013: Division IA; opener v Waterford, February 242012 Championship: Beaten by Waterford in Munster S-F; beaten by Limerick in Phase 3 of the Qualifiers2012 Allianz League: Division IB champions; Promoted to Division IAAllianz League Record: 3-time Champions (1946, 1977, 1978)Star Man: John ConlonOne to Watch: David McInerney (Tulla)Injury List: Cian Dillon (hip), Conor McGrath (hip surgery), Darach Honan (knee), Nicky O'Connell (short-term), Brian O'Connell, Pat Vaughan (hip surgery - long term)Players In: David McInerney (Tulla), Alan O'Neill (St Joseph's Doora-Barefield), Shane O'Donnell (Eire Óg Ennis)

Clare hurling supporters would be forgiven for thinking that the good times are on the way back for the county, as they prepare for their return to the top tier of the Allianz Hurling League this weekend.

The Banner County were promoted to Division IA in Davy Fitzgerald's first year in charge last season, and this will be the county's first appearance in the elite division since their relegation from it in 2009. Elevation under the highly-rated Fitzgerald, combined with last year's All-Ireland U21 success (the county's second such title in four years) and an excellent 2013 pre-season which saw them win the Waterford Crystal Cup, provides Clare with plenty of solid reasons to believe that a new dawn has arrived.

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Those two U21 All-Ireland title wins obviously mean there is a very talented crop of young talent in the county at the moment, and it's not hard to figure out who the emerging stars are in the county. Seadna Morey and Tony Kelly are both still eligible for the U21 grade, but already they have made a big impact for the senior team, impressing when they featured last summer. Other young players have come into the panel for 2013, such as Alan O'Neill and Shane O'Donnell, while defender David McInerney looks a good prospect with his appealing combination of bravery, strength and intelligent distribution skills.

However, one cause for concern for Fitzgerald ahead of Clare's opener this Sunday against Waterford in Ennis is a lengthy injury list. Full-back Cian Dillon and full-forward Conor McGrath are both out for the immediate future with hip injuries, as is Darach Honan with a knee problem, while Brian O'Connell and Nicky O'Connell are doubts for this weekend with minor complaints.

Apart from that though, Clare are looking strong. The aforementioned U21s are obviously likely to step it up again this season as their development continues, while Brendan Bugler's new-found status as an All Star also adds to the sense that this is a Clare team on the rise. However, Division IA will be tough. With only six teams present, all of Clare's rivals are serious opponents and to say there will be no easy games is quite the understatement.

However, in Clare's favour is the fact that three of their five games are at home, including the opening two against Waterford and Galway. That gives them a chance to get some points on the board early on, and the game with Waterford will surely carry an extra incentive for Fitzgerald and company, given that it was the Déise who knocked Clare out of the Munster Championship last season.

If Clare can win at least one of their opening two games, a semi-final spot will be on their horizon, and will give them an ideal target to aim for for the remainder of the spring. Anything less will put them under immediate pressure to retain their status.

Throughout the Allianz Leagues, team news, score updates and previews will be available on all Official GAA platforms so make sure to follow @officialgaa on Twitter and facebook.com/officialgaa to stay informed.