John Kiely outlined reservations about his Limerick side's overall performance despite a convincing victory over Clare at TUS Gaelic Grounds.

The Limerick manager watched his side overcome their near neighbours in the Allianz Hurling League clash by 1-27 to 2-18, in a more dominant manner than the six-point gap between the sides would suggest.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport after the match, Kiely said that while he was satisfied by much of what he saw, he was not as pleased about how Limerick managed the closing stages.

"We'll be happy with 80% of it. We controlled the game for good long periods. The last 12-15 minutes was disappointing," he said.

"We had a very commanding lead and we finished six up in the finish so disappointed with the last 10 or 12 minutes but maybe that's a reflection that we've a bit more work to go and do."

However, he reserved praise for player of the match Micheál Houlihan who enjoyed a dream debut with a 12-point haul.

"When you get a chance you have to take it and he certainly took his chance this evening," said the four-time All-Ireland winning manager.

"It was great to get a lot of other lads back on the field tonight, Cian (Lynch's) first start back in, Peter (Casey's) first start back in and a couple of young lads got their game as well.

"So a positive outing for us but still lots to work on."

Kiely also warned the more established figures in his all-conquering Limerick panel that they won't have an easy route back into starting spots as the league unfolds.

"They're going to have to show in training that they're ready for the start and that they're on form," he said.

"Listen, they are working hard. We will get them on the pitch over the course of the next few weeks so we're looking forward to that."