McCartan: Players will be out for revenge

James McCartan has acknowledged that the manner of last year's All-Ireland SFC final defeat will provide motivation for Saturday's rematch with Cork.

Down's dreams of lifting the Sam Maguire Cup were dashed by a superb second half effort from the Rebels, who had trailed by 0-7 to 0-2 after 27 minutes.

The counties meet again in the knockout stages of the Championship this weekend, with Down having gained some momentum courtesy of qualifier wins over Clare, Leitrim and Antrim.

Asked will revenge be a factor for his side on their return to Croke Park, McCartan told the Irish News: "It (revenge) is a natural emotion.

"Obviously a manager will try and use any angle he can, but I'd be hoping our guys won't need too many verbals from myself or Brian McIver or any of our management team on Saturday night.

"Cork taking an All-Ireland medal out of the pockets of our guys last year would be a motivation for them and that will come from within them rather than having it pointed out to them.

"We don't want to be the good losers which we were perceived as last year - we'd rather be someone that won something."

Ambrose Rogers is in contention to make his seasonal debut for the Mourne men in their fourth round qualifier against the Rebels.

Rogers has been working his way back to fitness, playing for his club Longstone and training with the county panel, after recovering from a long-term knee injury.

The talismanic midfielder missed last year's All-Ireland semi-final and final after damaging his anterior cruciate ligament in a club match. His return in Down colours was also delayed by an infection in his injured knee.

McCartan is hopeful that both Danny Hughes and Liam Doyle, who have been experiencing hamstring trouble, will be fit to face Cork, but Ronan Murtagh is struggling with an ankle problem.