Odhrán Murdock: 'Win at Croke Park will be validating - but down have more to offer'

OLD HEAD, YOUNG SHOULDERS: Down's Odhran Murdock knows the importance of Saturday's final. Pic: Tom Beary/Sportsfile

Down's Odhrán Murdock comes across as the most level headed man in the room, a trait and quality he carries onto the pitch, but the 23-year-old still realises the pressures that come with a league final berth at Croke Park.

Down take on Wexford in the Division 3 final on Saturday (7.15pm on TG4) with a shot at silverware for both, but both sides main concern will be the pathway to Sam Maguire football.

"It is massive for us. It's where you want to be playing your football come the business end of the season. To get used to that a bit more is vital," said the towering Burren midfielder.

"If you ask both camps, us and Wexford, both teams want to be playing for the Sam Maguire, that's where we all want to be at, so there is definitely a bit of pressure".

"This is the biggest game we've had in four or five years for our development as a team. But we can't overthink that factor, it's a game of football like any other game. 

"The most important thing is how do we get our hands on the ball, how do we handle kickouts, how do we score, can we defend well. If we forget about the occassion and go back to those primary pillars of the game its a whole lot easier"

TOWERING: Murdock has been Down's midfield maestro this season and one of the the best player's across the league's many divisions. Pic: Ramsey Cardy/Sportsfile

The only side in the country to have six wins going into round seven, Down have been going about their business, quietly putting up great performances across the last couple of month, but a win on Saturday will surely put them in the bracket of 'All-Ireland dark horse'. Much like Murdock himself, there's plenty more room to grow for the Mournemen yet.

"The league really gives you a good barometer of where you're at before championship," said the midfielder. "We've seen last year how far we can go and how far we think we can go. We just want to keep building and building. Getting some validation with a win at Croke Park would be fantastic."

After being promoted from Division 4 just last season, some may be surprised to see Wexford come this far. However, Murdock is fully aware of the threat The Model County possess going into Saturday's decider.

"They've had back to back promotions. They have great players across the pitch, a lot of two-point shooters. They have that mix of experience and youth too. They're very very dangerous and that won't be lost on us."