Size won't stop Mayo

Armagh under-21 football manager Peter Rafferty has rejected the suggestion that strength will be the key factor in Saturday's All-Ireland final against Mayo.

While Armagh have a clear advantage in terms of size, Rafferty doesn't expect Mayo to be overwhelmed like their senior counterparts were against Kerry last Sunday.

"If our situation is being compared to Kerry in terms of a physical strength that's a real compliment," says Rafferty. "But I don't see it necessarily as an advantage. Think back to Mayo's semi-final with Kildare. That day Kildare were physically awesome, and yet Mayo dealt with them very well. And I think this Mayo team has a lot more in the tank.

"And the fact is we've done no weight training with this team. Six of our panel were part of the Armagh seniors, and the weight training there was enough. The rest have done it with their clubs. So we have concentrated solely on the football aspects of the preparations."

Yet Armagh, who are seeking their first title at this grade, will travel to Cavan as firm favourites - not least because Mayo have to rise again just six days after losing the senior final. And 10 of the senior panel are set to start here.

"We've seen plenty of times in the past how teams respond to these situations," Rafferty cautioned. "Just a couple of weeks ago the Kilkenny under-21 hurlers came back and won emphatically a week after their seniors had lost."

"So I actually think this will motivate the Mayo team even more. If they had won I think the celebrations would have been a real distraction."

Rafferty will announce his team after training this evening, but will be at full strength.