Cork selector Diarmuid O'Sullivan is anticipating a close battle in Sunday's All Ireland Final.
The Rebels face the reigning champions Limerick in Croke Park, Cork back in an All Ireland Final for the first time since 2013 and looking for their first win since 2005.
O'Sullivan certainly knows what it takes to win an All Ireland, having been part of successful Cork teams in 1999, 2004 and 2005.
The Cloyne man says that confidence is high in the camp following the semi final win over Kilkenny, but that all their focus immediately switched to Limerick.
"We know the animal that we face and the challenge that's ahead of us", O'Sullivan told RedFM Sport at Saturday's media day in Páirc uí Rinn.
"The mood is upbeat, but we have to keep our feet firmly on the ground and focus on the challenge that's ahead of us.
"The most pleasing aspect [of the win over Kilkenny] was everyone in the starting 15 and those who came on contributed to the victory. Some guys who didn't get game time contributed with their attitude and their application and their effort in the warm up prior to the game.
"We had 11 guys at home who weren't part of the squad. Their attitude and application helped us to achieve victory last Sunday.
"Where do we need to improve? We were slow to start, that's one area that we need to work on. It's something we've spoken about and something we've addressed.
"We need to start well, because if we don't as we've seen with Limerick they'll hit 4,5,6 points and they'll shut up shop and they'll keep taking their opportunities from further out the field."
You can listen to our chat with Diarmuid O'Sullivan here - press PLAY.
