Billy Morgan warns Cork not to fall for ‘Kerry propaganda’ ahead of replay

Billy Morgan has warned Brian Cuthbert’s players not to buy into “Kerry propaganda” ahead of Saturday’s Munster final replay.

Morgan rubbished suggestions from across the border this week that Cork blew their chances of a first Munster crown since 2012 in the drawn game and believes the All-Ireland champions are still there for the taking.

“Cork are in there with a great chance. I don’t believe this hype that Cork have lost their chance, this hype that you only get one shot at Kerry and if you don’t take it you’ll be left to rue that miss,” said the Cork legend.

“The Cork players must not buy into the Kerry hype or Kerry propaganda doing the rounds. And I don’t think they will. The players have the belief, they showed that in Killarney.

“If they go down there again as organised as they were on Sunday week last, they have every chance.

“Now Kerry being Kerry, they will adjust. They will have identified their weaknesses from the last day.

“They won’t make the same mistakes twice.”

Morgan heaped praise on Cork’s performance in the 2-15 to 3-12 draw, arguing it was a true reflection of the Rebels’ ability.

“That performance in Killarney wasn’t a reactive performance to the criticism Cork had shipped before the game.

“The only bad performance that Cork have given this year is the league final against Dublin. The only two bad performances they have given in the past year was that league final and last year’s Munster final.

“Other than that they have been playing well. They scored some very good wins in the league and I think that was forgotten about after the league final defeat.”

Meanwhile, former Kerry football manager Mick O’Dwyer says Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s midfield partnership must contain Alan O’Connor if the hosts are to have any hope of retaining their title.

“Kerry supporters came to Killarney on Sunday week last expecting Kerry to win pretty well.

“Cork put up a fantastic show. They played with great fire and spirit. The Kerry team at present don’t seem to be playing that well. I don’t think Kerry will be as lethargic as they were the last day. I fancy another draw with Kerry to shade it in extra-time.”