Even before a ball is kicked in the 2008 NFL, Roscommon have been tipped as one of the relegation candidates from Division Two, but Rossies' midfielder Seamus O'Neill is determined to prove the critics wrong. O'Neill is a seasoned campaigner with the Connacht side having made his debut for them in 2001. The 25-year-old has seen the good times and more often the bad times in recent years. However, he feels that it is imperative that John Maughan's charges secure their place in the second tier for another season at least. "There are good footballers in Roscommon and our aim is to stay in this division. It's going to be hard, but we can't afford to drop back down the ladder again. We'll be underdogs but that suits us," said O'Neill. "The younger lads are able to motivate themselves and drive on. Of course, it's vital to have experience and in that regard we have players like Karl Mannion, Frankie Dolan and Gary Cox. Maybe leadership has been lacking recently, but there's more of a buzz about the team this year." Roscommon kick off their league campaign with a tricky tie away to Monaghan, who are considered one of the favourites to be promoted from the division. Tweet

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