All-Ireland SFC Qualifiers: Fear of opposition is something that has gone over the heads of the present upbeat Fermanagh footballers. Pat Roche reports.

Dominic Corrigan's players are unshakeable in the belief that they are "up there with the pack" especially after their win over Meath in the third round of the qualifiers.

"Respect yes, but never fear," insists team manager Corrigan. It is an attitude that constitutes a crucial component in the team's formula for winning close matches. "Our strengths in this regard were unquestionably compounded by that victory over Meath.

"We were not overawed by Meath and I don't expect us to be overawed by Mayo on Saturday but at the same time I believe we will have to produce a very big performance to beat Mayo."

Corrigan is one of that rare breed of unassuming managers who tells it as he sees it. To confuse his remarks with arrogance would be a misunderstanding. However, an air of confidence has grown within his team in recent months.

The true potential of Corrigan's forwards was realised more that ever by their second-half display against Seán Boylan's team, a display that was spurred on by an early second-half goal from Raymond Gallagher.

"Then, more than at any other time since I began to manage the team, I was convinced that our forwards possess wonderful potential," says Corrigan.

It is not surprising then that he is keeping his fingers crossed in the hope that he will be able to name the same six forwards who operated against Meath for tomorrow's clash with Mayo. Wing forward Ryan Keenan (ankle), full forward Stephen Maguire (ankle) and corner forward Colm Bradley (shoulder) are all nursing injuries picked up against Meath and have not been training.

"It is worrying," admits Corrigan, "we will be giving them the opportunity to prove their fitness and that is why we will delay picking the team until the eve of the match.

"Reaching the league semi-finals gave the team a big lift. It was important for us to get a good league run after being hammered by Kerry in last year's championship," he says. "Our main focus at the beginning of the year was to reach the Ulster final. We were very pleased with the win over Donegal and unlucky to lose to Down."

The big disappointment for Fermanagh this championship season was that defeat by Down. "It was a match we should have won but at least we rose above the setback against Cavan," insists Corrigan.

"There is a willingness to learn and a real work ethic in the squad which is basically a young squad. A cluster of young players was added to the panel earlier this year. The winning mentality that has crept into the squad is very encouraging.

"I feel we have a bigger task against Mayo than we had against Meath. Mayo are a more balanced team than Meath, who have individuals like (Trevor) Giles and (Graham) Geraghty, but with Mayo they have quality throughout.

"Mayo have tremendous pace and mobility in their side. It will be our biggest task so far. I feel it will hinge on the middle third of the field, half backs, midfield and half forwards.

"We feel that we have the quality up front, the likes of Raymond Gallagher and hopefully Stephen Maguire, to get scores. At the same time we will be hoping to deny quality Mayo forwards through midfield control."

Corrigan is also hopeful that for the first time this year he will be able to pick from a full panel.

"All year there has always been some player out, we can only keep hoping that the three injured players in this instance will be fit to turn out."