Rossies won’t take London lightly

ROSCOMMON boss Fergal O’Donnell says there is no chance of his side underestimating London in Sunday’s Connacht senior football championship encounter at Ruislip.

Five years ago London came very close to a shock win but a fisted effort from Wexford native Scott Doran hit the crossbar and Roscommon survived (0-12 to 1-8).

“We didn’t need New York to frighten Galway recently to realise we will need to be in top form in London on Sunday.

“They came within the width of the woodwork of beating us five years ago and they will be up for it on Sunday.

“They always play well in Ruislip and we are in no doubt that we will face a stiff test,” said O’Donnell whose men saw a disappointing league campaign end in relegation to NFL Division Four.

But having Roscommon to the All-Ireland minor title in 2006 and having recently seen the county’s U21 win the Connacht title, O’Donnell remains upbeat about the future.

“The U21 win shows that there is talent there coming through. We need a few breaks along the way but these lads are coming through. All the focus now is on defeating London on Sunday.

“Training has gone well and we will be concentrating on delivering a good performance and hopefully winning the match,” added O’Donnell.

He said the return from long-term injury of attackers John Dunning and Karl Mannion was a boost, especially as players such as Gary Cox, Senan Kilbride and Fintan Cregg were not available.