Mayo wing-forward Alan Dillon believes that he and his team-mates must step up to "a new level" if they are to overcome Kerry in Sunday's eagerly-awaited All-Ireland SFC final. The courageous display of Dillon and his team-mates against Dublin earned rave reviews, but he insists that performance will mean nothing if they don't beat The Kingdom. "We are delighted to be in the final, but Kerry present a huge test and we'll win nothing unless we rise to the challenge. We know that our level of performance will have to jump to a new level because they have set the bar," he said. "You only have to look at Kerry's record over the last five or six years. They have won two or three All-Irelands and been there or thereabouts every other year. They have footballers of tremendous ability and also have the experience of the big day which is always a help. "Kerry carry our respect naturally, but the important thing for us is that we concentrate on our game. There has been a great atmosphere in the camp all summer, and I think that's been seen on the pitch. But this is another step up and we must make sure to get it right on the day." If Dillon's displays in Croke Park during August are an indicator of Mayo's chances, their supporters have much to look forward to. Despite the demands of three big championship games in 15 days, the talented wing-forward put his body on the line each and his hot streak of form has seen his fellow players vote him as the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month for Football. The Ballintubber clubman was outstanding in the epic victory over Dublin in the All-Ireland semi-final, registering four points from play, but he says that all the credit is due to those around him. "Any award like this is welcome, but I'm just one of 30 that has got the team this far and it's really a recognition for every player on that panel. It's a team game and anyone can hit form on a given day," he concluded. Tweet

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