Cork football manager John Cleary says the Rebels are looking forward to what they know will be a difficult assignment against Mayo this weekend.

Monday morning’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final draw saw Cleary’s men pulling the Westerners out of the hat and the fixtures made since will see the two sides clashing at Croke Park on Saturday (4pm) for a place in the last four.

Speaking to EchoLive.ie this week, Cleary said there was never going to be an easy draw for his team.

“Mayo are coming off a very big win against Meath, so they’re going to be very confident coming into it,” he said.

“It’s a difficult draw but one we are looking forward to. It’s the business end… it was never going to be an easy draw. Whether it had been Monaghan or Dublin, the challenge would have been similar.” 

The Rebels boss added: “There’s a buzz around Cork football at the moment. A lot of positives there. The minors had a brilliant win against Derry, but they will know and we know that it’s the next game that matters.

“Hopefully they can get over the line in the All-Ireland final, and we can take a step further at the weekend, but we know it won’t be easy.

“Things can turn fairly quickly. You have to keep your eyes on what’s in front of you.” 

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