Our backs are to the wall: Nolan

Dublin goalkeeper, Alan Nolan, has issued a clarion call ahead of Sunday’s All-Ireland SHC quarter-final against Tipperary in Thurles (4.0).

The Dubs were rocked by the nature of their defeat to Kilkenny in the Leinster decider and the St Brigid’s No 1 knows his team-mates will have to pull out a top drawer performance in Semple Stadium.

"We're heading to Thurles with our backs to the wall, and we can only come out fighting. And if we don't, our season is over,” says Alan.

"If someone was to tell you 'You're going to be playing in Semple Stadium against Tipperary in an All-Ireland quarter-final' ... it's an amazing feeling, an amazing fixture, and you could have no complaints. It's a serious field, a serious venue, so you can only embrace it.

"Your season's either done or you're getting yourself set up (for a semi-final) so you've to treat it as your last game of the year and you have to come out fighting, as if it is the last game. And then see where the result takes you."

Dublin's minor hurlers face Waterford in Thurles at noon.