New Westmeath hurling manager Kevin Martin wants his team included in next year's Walsh Cup.

The Lake County have won back-to-back Kehoe Cups since dropping back from the Walsh Cup two years ago, and Martin is seeking a return to Leinster's premier pre-season hurling competition for his side in 2011.

"This team won't get any better unless they're playing against teams like Wexford," he said in the wake of last Sunday's National League defeat to the Slaneysiders.

The former Offaly star was far from happy with his team's performance and admits they have improving to do ahead of tomorrow's trip to Dr Cullen Park to face Carlow.

"I've a lot of work to them. I know they're good enough, but they just have to work hard on the training ground and get fitter and sharper."

Meanwhile, Martin isn't open to the idea of dual star Paul Greville combining both codes this season. A key figure for the Westmeath hurlers in recent years, the Raharney clubman has played in the footballers' opening two National League games, but is likely to face a big decision in the coming weeks.

"Some games are going to clash and he'll have to make his choice," the 1994 and '98 All-Ireland winner said.

"We're going to try and accommodate him - he's a good hurler and was captain last year. He's impressed Brendan Hackett at the football this year, so we'll just have to work on it between the two of us." Tweet

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