Three players to watch in Cork v Tipp U21 Munster football final

A trio of young stars set to shine in Semple Stadium tomorrow night.

Sean White (Clonakilty)

Used off the bench for most of UCC’s Sigerson Cup campaign, White has been entrusted with a leadership role by Cork manager Sean Hayes, and that of defensive anchor. On both fronts, he has impressed.

Would have been disappointed with his Gaelic Grounds showing, but redeemed himself with a fine performance at Páirc Uí Rinn. Coordinated Cork’s defensive effort solidly - the Kerry front six managed only three scores from play over the hour - and ghosted forward in the second period to kick two valuable points.

His battle with Ian Fahey is among the most important match-ups of this evening’s tie. Expect few ventures into the opposition half as curbing the influence of the Clonmel Commercials centre-forward is likely to represent his primary goal.

Steven O’Brien (Ballina)

Whereas White struggled to break into Billy Morgan’s starting team earlier this spring, O’Brien was a mainstay on the DCU Sigerson Cup winning side.

The imposing Ballina midfielder was a hugely impressive figure for the North Dublin University over the finals weekends and has continued in decent form with a string of fine performances for the Tipperary seniors in their Division 3 league campaign.

Kicked two points in Tipperary’s semi-final dismissal of Clare and will be expected to turn in a big shift this evening. One of those players who tends to leave it all on the field.

Peter Kelleher (Kilmichael)

Their campaign may be only two games old, but Kelleher has already marked himself out as Cork’s most consistent, and, indeed, versatile performer.

Was one of the few Cork players to leave the Gaelic Grounds with his head held high following their first round no-show - scored a crucial goal on the stroke of half-time, had one disallowed, set-up Sean O’Donoghue’s green flag effort and rattled the crossbar at the death.

Such was his aerial prowess against Limerick that management moved the Kilmichael player out to midfield for the Kerry clash. Again, he did not disappoint, kicking two points in a hard-working display. Has been returned to the edge of the square and if the deliveries are decent, he will cause problems. If the supply of ball, however, dries up, management won't delay in deploying him out the field.