Dooher: 'We'll have to work our socks off'

Tyrone captain Brian Dooher is bracing his team for a huge effort against Leinster champions Dublin on Saturday, as the Red Hands try to qualify for the GAA All-Ireland SFC semi-finals for the first time since 2005.

Ironically, Tyrone's last GAA All-Ireland SFC quarter-final victory came against the Dubs three years ago, when they won a replay by 2-18 to 1-14.

Owen Mulligan (1-07) and Stephen O'Neill (1-03) were on fire that day at Croke Park, and Dooher agrees that some other players will have to step up to the mark this weekend with O'Neill retired and Mulligan struggling to gain a starting place.

"It's going to be a big test of nerve and I have no doubt that the Dublin fans will believe that their team is more than capable of beating us," Dooher said.

"Croke Park is the biggest stage of all and it's where players really want to produce their best.

"If we can manage this, then we will hopefully be in with a great chance of reaching the semi-finals."

All-Ireland champions in 2003 and 2005, Tyrone have looked a shell of their former selves at times this year.

They endured a heartbreaking Ulster championship exit against Down, after a replay.

But long-time manager Mickey Harte seems to have his troops re-energised after qualifier wins over Louth, Westmeath and Mayo in recent weeks.

Harte will announce his team for the Dubs match tonight and with only Colm Cavanagh (shoulder) and Paul Quinn (collarbone) on the edged out Mayo on a 0-13 to 1-09 score-line.

The Tyrone boss, at the helm since November 2002, has predictably talked up the opposition in the lead-up to the game.

"Dublin strike me as being a more composed side than three seasons ago when we beat them in the championship after a replay," he said.

"Many of those same players are now three years old have during that time added three further Leinster titles.

"People always question the quality of football in the different provinces but this year more than any it's very hard to answer that question.

"Leinster in fairness has become quite competitive again and Dublin have still prevailed during that period. That says a lot for them as a team, both in terms of reserve, pure ability and mental strength.

"Make no mistake they are a very good side. Many have them second favourites behind Kerry to win the All Ireland and on their record over the last few years, it's difficult to argue with that assessment."

Playing in the cauldron of Croke Park, with the Dubs sure to have a massive backing, will not faze Dooher and his team-mates whose experience could be a telling factor.

"The atmosphere will be electric but a lot of us have been playing in this kind of environment before now so it will not be new. We know what is expected from us and it is up to us to produce the goods."

The experience half-forward admits that the Tyrone players are extremely eager to get their hands on the Sam Maguire Cup this term, insisting that they are improving with every passing game.

"As we have gone through this season, we have become more settled and confident. I think we can face up to challenges but we will really have to work our socks off on Saturday if we are to win," Dooher added.

"Although we've had injuries this year, we have several people back on board now and I think we can reach a higher level of performance.

"You couldn't ask for a bigger incentive than to produce the goods against Dublin in an All-Ireland quarter-final at Croke Park. This is a big chance for us."