A good start “will be absolutely critical” for Offaly against Cork in Sunday’s All-Ireland senior hurling championship quarter-final, according to two-time All-Star Shane McGrath.

The Faithful men get set to meet the Rebels in Thurles as 12/1 (PaddyPower) underdogs to book a place in the last four of the Liam MacCarthy Cup race against Galway.

Writing in his weekly column for RTE Sport, ex-Tipperary midfielder McGrath says the Faithful men must avoid the concession of an early goal at Semple Stadium as it would have the potential to turn into an avalanche from Ben O’Connor’s side.

“The opening 15 minutes will be absolutely critical,” wrote the 2010 All-Ireland winner. “Conceding an early goal against Cork would be disastrous. Cork thrive when they get momentum. Their half-forward line pushes high, their running game gathers pace and suddenly a five-point game becomes a ten-point game very quickly.

“Offaly’s primary defensive objective must be to protect the scoring zone in front of goal and force Cork to take points rather than create goal chances.

“That means setting up appropriately.”

He added: “Ultimately, a competitive display, no collapse, no concession of cheap goals and evidence that they belong at this level would represent genuine progress for the Faithful County.”

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