Shields: Rebels have no Croker surface tension

MICHAEL SHIELDS admits the Cork squad aren’t dwelling on the impact of the new Croke Park playing surface which gets its first test in their All Ireland quarter-final against Donegal on Sunday.

Shields has full confidence in the “professionals” dealing with the relaying of the new surface, an issue that has gained huge media coverage ever since the last Croke Park pitch was ripped up for the three U2 concerts.

Cork’s previous appearance at GAA headquarters came in April’s National Football League Division Two final when they overcame Monaghan, but there are fears the new pitch could create problems for Sunday’s participants.