Dubs U21 coming in cold to face Westmeath

Dublin's under-21 footballers face Westmeath on Wednesday night in the EirGrid Leinster U21FC quarter-final in St Loman's GAA club, Mullingar (7.30).

Westmeath recorded a confidence-boosting victory (2-8 to 0-12) over Meath at the same venue last week so have a very competitive game under the belt as the prepare for the Dubs.

“I feel that having a tough, competitive game like that in your locker is worth an awful lot to them," says Dublin manager Dessie Farrell.

“They already have a solid platform from which to build and to be honest, with the best will in the world, training, internal matches and challenge games just don’t give you that edge.

“I was down at their game against Meath and they enjoyed a very good victory that night.

“They were very well organised on the night and they have a very strong management team that have had a positive influence on the players.

“There was a very good crowd at the match last Wednesday and I expect it will be even bigger tomorrow night.

“Playing at home is definitely an advantage and it is something that we will have to deal with on the night," adds Dessie.

“You play the cards that you have been dealt and it is important that we remain focused on the task in hand,” said Farrell.

“We’re happy enough with how our preparations have gone but it is always difficult with the demands placed on players these days.

“There are always competing interests at this time of the year and that is one of the challenges of management at this grade.

“We had a few injury concerns a few weeks back but a lot of those have thankfully eased and we are close to a clean bill of health," concludes Dessie.