'Any team that comes out of Ulster is going to be good'

Sligo's Dessie Sloyan celebrates after scoring a goal during the 2002 Connacht SFC semi-final against Leitrim. ©INPHO/Morgan Treacy.

Former Sligo star Dessie Sloyan is under no illusions about the task facing his Easkey team in next Sunday's All-Ireland club JFC semi-final against Red Hughs.

Ballinamore will host the meeting of the Sligo and Donegal champions with an All-Ireland final appearance at Croke Park the prize at stake.

"Any team that comes out of Ulster is going to be a good team," the Easkey manager told the Western People.

"They'll be very strong. But I'd fancy it being a close, fairly cagey affair. That's what we're gearing for anyway, and hopefully it works out.

"We'd know a few bits and pieces about them (Red Hughs). They seem to be fairly similar to ourselves; they'd be strong up the middle with a few good forwards.

"The full forward and wing forward, Damien Brown and Calvin Bradley, are dangerous players. They have a guy in with Donegal, Stephen Menamin, who's very good around the middle of the field.

"It's a great incentive to have the opportunity to play in Croke Park."