We will thrive on big stage

IT'S BEEN a roller-coaster year, but I'm not ready for the long goodbye just yet. The bookies have made Kildare clear underdogs for tomorrow's Leinster final. Thanks to them.

Our lads are unproven, but they are game and ready for anything. They will never have experienced anything like the scale of Croke Park with over 70,000 screaming supporters, but the qualifier back door will allow them some breathing space.

Don't interpret that as defeatist. It just means that Kildare should not crack under the pressure of losing. They can now express themselves. Fear of defeat induces anxiety, but with the safety net of re-entry into the Championship, I'll be surprised if our fellas don't show their best side.