Kavanagh a natural full-back, says Corkery

FORMER Cork star Colin Corkery has insisted he would play his Nemo Rangers club-mate Derek Kavanagh at fullback — and not midfield — for the county team.

Kavanagh has forged a solid centre-field partnership with All-star Nicholas Murphy in recent seasons, but Corkery believes he would be far better off on the edge of the square.

Kavanagh and Murphy will lead the charge for the Rebels at Croke Park on Saturday when they tackle Sligo in the All-Ireland SFC quarter- final.

Corkery revealed: “Derek’s one of these fellas that is unbelievably hard-working. He almost overdoes it but he always prepares properly.

“I would like to see him at full back with Graham Canty moved further out the field. It seems to be settled there and you can’t really change it but I think Derek has played his best football for Cork at full back.

“I would argue that it’s his best position but he liked midfield and has great pace for a big guy.

“He compliments Nicholas well but I don’t think he’s the ideal partner.

“The management seem to have settled on a team now, a couple of lads came in for the Munster final and did well but they started the next day (against Louth) and were taken off.

“That inconsistency is worrying. I said last year that Cork were maybe two years away from an All-Ireland title but they could win it this year with a bit of luck.

“These guys, if they play well, on their day could beat anybody. But it remains to be seen whether they can do it on a consistent basis.”