O'Leary: Youth can carry Cork to victory

Cork's experienced defender Noel O'Leary believes that the Rebels' young guns will have a major say in the quest to bring Sam Maguire to the banks of the Lee for the first time since 1990, when they face Kerry at Croke Park on Sunday (throw-in 3.30pm).

"There is a good mix of youth in the squad and it all helps. We feed off the youth as well despite our experience," he said.

"A lot of those guys haven't tasted defeat which is great for us. We have gone through a lot - the majority of us as a team and hopefully that experience will bring us over the line the next day."

This Sunday sees Cork and Kerry clash in the Senior Championship for the 19th time in ten years.

Although the Kingdom were comfortable winners when the teams last met in an All-Ireland decider in 2007, O'Leary is confident that it will be a much closer game this weekend.

"It's going to be a huge battle on Sunday. It's something that we are going to have to get on top of our game for. We feel we are ready for it.

"Things have been going well in training and it's just a matter of upping the intensity and performing to the best of our ability."

O'Leary feels that Rebels manager Conor Counihan has played a vital role in bringing Cork back to another All-Ireland final.

"He has brought a fresh approach and is a cool customer who doesn't get excited. That filters through the team as well.

"He has brought a new edge to this panel and competition is huge which is a great thing.

"There is great credit due to Conor and his backroom staff, who don't get much credit. They put in huge work behind the scenes as well."