Coggins comfortable with favourites’ tag

LONDON manager Paul Coggins insists the favourites’ tag rests easy with his team ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC qualifier against Waterford.

The Exiles have been backed into 4/6 with Paddy Power to win the second round tie, while Waterford have drifted to 11/8.

However Coggins last night admitted: “It’s not an uncomfortable place for us to be in.

“If you are the favourites then that’s what you are? You just get on with it.

“It is something I’ve been used to it in my career.

“But I wouldn’t imagine there would be much in it. Waterford are a good, strong team. We’ll have to be at our best to beat them.”

The Roscommon native has been humbled by the goodwill his team have received from the wider GAA community.

“We’re loving every minute of it,” he said.

“To see the team and the players improve has been hugely satisfying. We have grown so much since the league and the commitment from everyone has been total.

“For the team to be complimented by people of the stature of Mickey Harte is a great confidence boost to us here.

“Respect like that only comes from hard work and it’s our intention to continue that.

“We’re enjoying it. People have been extremely positive toward us.

“We had a very intense game in-house last weekend, but everyone came through it. Again there is a doubt about the fitness of wing back John Scanlon, and panellist Austin Concannon is a concern, but otherwise we can report a clean bill of health.

“We’re looking forward to it. We’re going to give it a big shot again.”