Mick O'Dwyer has given a hesitant vote to his former Kildare charges to beat Down in tomorrow's All-Ireland football semi-final.

"Looking at the championship so far this year, Kildare have been the most impressive team," he said.

"Louth beat them in the Leinster championship but that was their only glitch in the campaign. Since then, they have played unbelievable and very attractive football. They are an exceptionally fit side and they have some excellent footballers so they will be hard to beat.

"It's going to be a very interesting game. I have a slight fancy for Kildare to take Down, and I tell you one thing, they will put it up to Cork in the final."

Eamonn Callaghan's conversion from a half back to a forward hasn't gone unnoticed to O'Dwyer, who led the Lilywhites to their last All-Ireland final appearance 12 years ago.

"I played Callaghan at wing half back when I was with Kildare, but he is now a bloody good forward! He is an all-round complete player as well, and James Kavanagh is an outstanding player also.

"From the time we were winning the two Leinster championships (1998 and 2000), the interest was there from the young people of Kildare. They are now coming through to play well and impress." Tweet

Most Read Stories