Meathman Burke expecting tough test from Dubs

Meath defender Mickey Burke admits he is not the most talented footballer in the world, but he is undoubtedly proud of being ever-present of late in the Royals' starting line-up.

Old enemy Dublin stand between Meath and their second Leinster SFC title in three years - certainly not an indication that Meath are on a downward spiral, even if some pundits and members of the public may indicate otherwise.

Burke is a teak tough defender but it won't be easy for him on Sunday as he takes on the might of the Dublin forwards.

"It's not going to be an easy day, we are going to be under serious pressure," he said.

"Playing against the All-Ireland champions is something you dream of and are looking forward to at the same time.

"Dublin are a great conditioned team who are unbelievably fit and have a fantastic panel to pick from. Anyone can make a difference for them in the backs and the forwards.

"I'm sure as one of the Meath defenders I will know plenty about the pressure of trying to keep them out."

Burke says the Dublin forwards are up there with the best: "I played with Kevin McManamon and Paul Flynn in college and they are brilliant runners who are very direct.

"They are obviously the benchmark as All-Ireland champions and we'll be just going out and hopefully putting in a performance that we can be proud of."

To date in this year's Championship, Meath struggled against Wicklow and Carlow but came good with an excellent finish to beat Kildare last time out.

The Royals have achieved some good results in recent campaigns and Burke says that they have not been getting the credit they deserve as a side.

"Maybe consistency is one of our biggest problems. Getting a preliminary round draw has been a massive help to us though," he admitted.

"When we won Leinster in 2010 we had a preliminary round game and the same with Donegal in Ulster in the last few years and for us this year.

"You can't beat Championship football and having Championship games and it does give you a bit of an edge.

"Wicklow and Carlow were very tough for us, despite them playing in Division 4. Everyone is in the gym and everyone is very fit and have that base straight away.

“There are super footballers in both counties. We have played four games so far. You can do all the training you want but you can’t beat Championship football and games are what you want.”

Every GAA county team rises and falls on the strength of its club structures. Burke's club Longwood have certainly been putting in the hard yards in recent seasons and this year provided the captain to the Meath junior team in the form of Rory Maguire.

Burke says a good club is key, and that he is fortunate to be a part of Longwood.

"There are good clubs and great teams in Meath. Thankfully my own club got a bit of a run in the Leinster Junior Championship and that gives you great experience.

"That's what you need on big days. You look at Crossmaglen in Armagh - you can't beat having a good team and training well and it does give you an advantage."