Despite guiding the Kingdom to a first All-Ireland victory in 20 years last September, Jack O'Connor is still getting used to managing at minor level.

The three-time All-Ireland senior winning manager will send this year's crop of Kerry U-18 footballers out against Cork in the Munster MFC semi-final tonight in Tralee and, speaking to The Examiner, he revealed the biggest challenge he faces in his current role.

"You have to start from scratch again, while if you have an U21 or a senior team, you can build on work that you've done last year.

"With a minor team you're starting from scratch every year. So yes, maybe mentally at the start of the year there was a bit of a challenge.

"Last year we had an exceptional group and I suppose they had to be exceptional to win the All-Ireland after 20 years.

"While we don't have the same amount of firepower we had last year, every team has it's characteristics and we feel this team is a very honest and hardworking group. We might be stronger in some areas than we were last year.

"On balance, we're happy with the team, they're mad for road."

O'Connor is braced for a tough battle against their arch-rivals: "It is going to be a very tough game for us because Cork are a serious proposition, especially with their firepower.

"This is a well touted Cork team and we will have our hands full with them.

"Three or four of their forwards gave us a lot of bother in Páirc Uí Chaoimh last year. A lot will depend on the kick-outs and who gets the lion's share of possession."

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