Shields has high praise for new Rebel Jamie

MICHAEL SHIELDS insists he was confident Cork would solve their early season defensive woes and is convinced the experience of regular senior matches together will stand to their youthful backline as the year progresses.

Cork shipped some criticism after conceding nine goals in their first five NFL matches this spring but kept clean sheets in their last three games.

Shields was released to his natural berth in the half-back line for Sunday’s Division 1 final against Mayo, with new full-back Jamie O’Sullivan impressing on the edge of the square.