Cork

1. Kevin O'Dwyer

Age: 24.

Height: 5'11["].

Club: O'Donovan Rossa.

MARSHALLS the Cork defence very well. Has proven himself to be an excellent shot-stopper and also has a good kick-out, if perhaps a little short. Won his place back on merit. Can expect to see plenty of action from the Meath forwards.

2. Ronan McCarthy

Age: 25.

Height: 6'2["].

Club: Douglas.

HAS PROVED an excellent replacement for the unfortunate Michael O'Donovan. An excellent allround footballer with a strong physical presence. Did a particularly good job of marking Maurice Fitzgerald in the Munster final.

3. Sean O hAilpin

Age: 22.

Height: 6'2["].

Club: Na Piarsaigh.

HAS LOOKED somewhat vulnerable in a few of his games to date, but must get credit for recovering well and sticking to the task. Plenty of experience and with the hurling final two weeks back, he certainly won't have a problem with nerves.

4. Anthony Lynch

Age: 22.

Height: 5'10["].

Club: Naomh Aban.

HAS BEEN a revelation in the Cork team this year with his dashing and no-nonsense style. Very confident player and will have an intriguing contest with Ollie Murphy. I expect he will play a big role tomorrow.

5. Ciaran O'Sullivan

Age: 27.

Height: 6'1["].

Club: Urhan.

A HUGE, steadying influence in this young back-line. He has the experience to turn defensive situations into attacking options. Did well in marking Dara O Cinneide of Kerry and also when moving on to Kieran McDonald against Mayo.

6. Owen Sexton

Age: 24.

Height: 5'9["].

Club: Kilbrittain.

HAS SETTLED extremely well into what is a relatively new position for him. A strong player, but like most of the Cork backs, he is also very mobile. Certainly has the right temperament for major games and will use that to great benefit tomorrow.

7. Martin Cronin

Age: 23.

Height: 6'0["].

Club: Nemo Rangers.

A PURE footballing wing back, he can create attacking options as well as providing solid defence. Nothing outstanding in terms of all-round performance, but he has been the reliable man in both major games against Kerry and Mayo.

8. Nicholas Murphy

Age: 21.

Height: 6'5["].

Club: Carrigaline.

A STEADY if unspectacular player. Especially strong in aerial confrontations and also has an great work ethic. One of the biggest men on the field, he is bound to have an interesting match with John McDermott in midfield.

9. Michael O'Sullivan

Age: 22.

Height: 6'3["].

Club: Carberry Rangers.

THE FIND of the year for Cork and has repaid Larry Tompkin's very well for showing such faith in him. A high workrate with plenty of natural footballing talent, I expect him to be one of the big playmakers tomorrow.

10. Michael Cronin

Age: 21.

Height: 5'11["].

Club: Naomh Aban.

HAS THE responsibility of filling a position that Cork have had difficulty with all year. Has the pace and ability to make it happen. Still a bit of an unknown quality, though, and tomorrow will be a big test.

11. Joe Kavanagh

Age: 25. Height: 6'0["]. Club: Nemo Rangers. A HUGE footballing talent, but often threatens more than he delivers. Will always produce a score or two and I have a gut feeling that he will have a big game. Certainly capable of producing a match-winning performance.

12. Padraig O'Mahony

Age: 25.

Height: 5'11["].

Club: Ballincollig.

I WOULD regard him as the fittest player on the Cork team. He was unlucky to be replaced in the semi-final and will cover every blade of grass in his search for possession. Expect him to register a lot of scores from play.

13. Philip Clifford (capt)

Age: 20.

Height: 6'0["].

Club: Bantry Blues.

ONE of the more consistent players in the Cork team this year, but there are high expectations on his young shoulders. Well capable of delivering and will be an important part of the attack.

14. Don Davis

Age: 30.

Height: 5'11["].

Club: O'Donovan Rossa.

ONE OF the big factors in Cork's victories over Kerry in the Munster final and Mayo in the semi-final. Unlikely to get the same sort of space this time, but even with limited possession he is capable of doing damage.

15. Mark O'Sullivan

Age: 25.

Height: 6'2["].

Club: Newmarket.

AFTER some excellent performances in the league, he has yet to deliver a great performance in the championship. Has the physique and strength to cause problems, but will have to be patient and accept the rough with the smooth on the day.