By Daragh Small

Roscommon forward Fintan Cregg is delighted to be back in the county panel and says there is serious depth as they look forward to a Connacht semi-final against Sligo.

Elphin clubman Cregg and Conor Devaney stepped away from the panel three years ago and didn't feature under former manager John Evans.

However after Kevin McStay and Fergal O'Donnell took charge at the start of this season they recalled the 2006 All-Ireland minor winning pair and Roscommon's fortunes have blossomed ever since.

O'Donnell was the manager as Roscommon toppled Kerry to win their first All-Ireland minor title in 55 years and he watched on last Sunday as Devaney scored Roscommon's goal and Cregg hit four points in their Connacht quarter-final victory over Leitrim.

Cregg says there is still plenty to come from this side and with key players Ian Kilbride, Enda Smith, Cian Connolly and Cathal Compton all absent in the 1-21 to 0-11 victory at Carrick-on-Shannon, Roscommon are in a good place ahead of their June 12 clash with rivals Sligo.

 "We've a lot of injuries, big players. But look, the lads that are getting in, getting the jersey, they're happy enough. They deserve it. They're working as hard as anyone. We'll wait for the boys to come back. There is great competition at the minute," said Cregg.

However Leitrim finished with just 12 men on the field and Sligo will be a much stiffer test in three weeks' time. Although Roscommon got to the semi-final of Division 1 this year, they won Division 2 last season and still succumbed to a shock semi-final exit against Sligo at Markievicz Park.

Back at home for this game Roscommon will seek revenge, and after starring in the win over Leitrim, and with fellow ace front man Donie Shine also on form, Cregg says Roscommon are set up to prove a point.

"With myself, there's always improvement to be made after every game. If there wasn't, there'd be something wrong.

"It's great to see Donie play like that. Everyone knows, when Donie is on form, Roscommon are on form.

"But Sligo nipped us last year. We'll get back. We'll get our attitude right this week. It's going to be a big game and look, we'll give great respect for Sligo and drive on from here, please God," he said.

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