Johnny Doyle has stressed the need for Kildare to stay with Dublin for as long as possible if they are to have a chance of causing a major upset on Sunday.

Kildare supporters will travel to Croke Park for the Leinster SFC semi-final more in hope than expectation after losing to the Dubs by 16 points in the corresponding game two years ago. Dublin beat Longford by an even bigger margin - 27 points - in their championship opener last month and are the bookies' favourites for the All-Ireland.

"If the game is in the melting pot with 15 minutes to go then Dublin might say this is not in the script and we're under a bit of pressure here. We'll see then how they react," former Kildare star Doyle said on RTE.

"The Kildare lads have to think the Dubs are beatable and also have to ask them serious questions. You just have to stay with them as long as you can."

"I can't see Kildare winning, but I would like to think they can give a good account of themselves.

"We all know that Dublin have good footballers and have huge talent on the line, yet they can only play 15. If enough lads can say today is my day and I'm going to get the better of my man, well, who knows!"

What worries the Allenwood clubman most is Dublin's ability to rattle the net.

"When Dublin score goals against you, teams tend to accept that this is the way it's supposed to be. All of sudden from being two points down in a game, you're ten points down. If Longford were playing anybody else other than Dublin the last day and conceded goals, I think they would have found something to rally the troops.

"Against Dublin you're in trouble when the work rate stops. They will crucify you. When they have you by the throat they will squeeze the life out of you," he added.

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