James Horan doesn't subscribe to the theory that Mayo have missed the boat ahead of this weekend's Sam Maguire Cup replay.

The men from Connacht will renew acquaintances with Dublin in Croke Park next Saturday evening and Horan believes his former players have what it takes to finish off the job at the second attempt.

"Dublin will come fully focused and loaded next Saturday," Horan writes in his weekly Western People column.

"They went straight into preparation mode after the drawn game with players mobilising immediately in their dressing-room. Their post-match dinner was also quickly modified and all the team's tables were separated from the general group and they had eaten and gone before any of the general audience had turned up. They will be coming out fighting to guarantee their reputation as the greatest Dublin team ever next Saturday.

"But I'm convinced Mayo will be much better on Saturday. Their attitude was great the last day and if they return to Croke Park with that plus a performance of brilliant technical proficiency, ie, high-level skill completion of hand and foot passing to the runner in front and in the sweet spot, then they can break through these guys.

"Again, I think it will come down the stretch neck and neck. The team that has committed the most, trained the best, and has the greatest will to succeed will take the trip up the steps. I guess you know who I think it will be."

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