Cork have quality in every area

Roscommon v Cork:DONIE SHINE must supply another 0-10 for Roscommon to even cause a stir never mind an almost unthinkable upset. Actually, everyone in this Roscommon team must surpass their usual performances. They must reach higher still than what they achieved in that heart-warming defeat of poor old Sligo.

They must also hope the out-of-sorts Cork team of the qualifiers continues to struggle tomorrow afternoon.

Even if all this transpired, Cork would probably still squeeze into the semi-finals. They simply have too much quality in every line of the field, especially midfield and scoring forwards. It would require six or seven players to malfunction as only two of the Cork forwards really need to catch fire on any given day (except when Kerry and Tyrone are involved).

Conor Counihan may have examined the slow burn that was Kerry last season when they stumbled into the last eight before exploding to life to humiliate Dublin.

Dealing with Roscommon starts with Cork performing to their own high standard but the expectation is Graham Canty will go on Shine. That will be a real test of the young forward’s excellence from play. We know he has an ice-cold nerve when it comes to frees.

For Cork, it is about restating their All-Ireland credentials. There has been a question mark about their collective mentality – which won’t be tested here – while their forwards’ lack of power has also been questioned – the rampaging Pearse O’Neill excluded.

Roscommon must prove to the watching public, and themselves, the shock defeat of Sligo wasn’t just the settling of a local dispute but a sign of a bright future.

To stay with this fine Cork team would enable them to return to this juncture next season and the one after with the required belief. Their inter-county legacy of the 2006 minor All-Ireland winners starts here.

They are not a cynical team but they must be belligerent to have any chance of competing on this stage.

In the last episode: Roscommon stunned a Cork side in turmoil in the qualifiers back in 2003. No real history to speak of.

You bet:Cork are 1/10 with Roscommon at 15/2, a draw 12/1.

On your marks:Roscommon need to show early they are not just taking in the sights. Otherwise their provincial win will be sullied.

Gaining ground:Roscommon have made a giant leap this year. Cork only want one scalp in Croke Park and they may have to beat Roscommon and Tyrone to get another shot at their neighbours.

Just the ticket:Usual outlets around stadium.

Crystal gazing:Cork with plenty to spare.