Leitrim football boss Brendan Guckian says heâs expecting New York to provide his side with a massive test in Sundayâs Connacht Championship clash at Gaelic Park.
Five years ago, the western outfit strolled to a 4-19 to 0-7 win over the Exiles in the corresponding game in the Big Apple, with star forward Emlyn Mulligan recording a whopping 3-7 scoring total on that occasion.
But Guckian is taking no comfort from his countyâs landslide win when the paths of the two sides last crossed in the summer campaign of 2013.
âI donât think that what happened five years ago will have any bearing on how things are going to pan out in Sundayâs game,â said Guckian who has been at the helm of the Connacht county since October 2016.
"Weâre expecting a very tough test from New York and so weâre approaching the game in a very serious manner.
"New York have had the benefit of a very useful game against (current All-Ireland Club champions) Corofin last Thursday as part of their preparations and that will stand them in good stead.
âAs well, the fact that they were able to beat Corofin by a decisive margin of 13 points (1-20 to 1-7) shows what a strong side New York are, and that will also be a massive confidence boost for their players ahead of Sundayâs game.â
And while many of the New York players wouldnât be household names back in Ireland, the Leitrim manager says he doesnât feel that this will negatively impact on the home sideâs prospects of pulling off an unexpected victory.
âOur backs will have to cope with the huge threat of Jamie Clarke who was one of Armaghâs top forwards for many years and who will be a welcome addition to any county,â he pointed out.
"As well, they have other players with plenty of inter-county experience in the likes of Kevin OâGrady, who played with Wexford, and Luke Kelly, who played with Offaly.
âAnd I am sure that the three inter-county lads will help the other players on the New York team to raise their game for Sundayâs test.â
On the plus side for the visiting side, however, is that, barring any injuries at tonightâs training session, the Leitrim supremo will be able to select from a full strength squad for the Bronx encounter.
âThankfully, we didnât pick up any injuries during the League, or in the meantime in training, that ruled any player out of the New York game,â pointed out Guckian whose charges romped to a 2-15 to 0-10 win over Wicklow in their final Division Four outing.
âSo all going well this week everybody in the panel will be available for selection.â
Itâs also a major boost that Emlyn Mulligan, who missed last yearâs Championship campaign due to injury, is certain to start on this occasion.
âEmlyn tore the cruciate ligament in his knee shortly before we played London in the opening game of last yearâs Championship,â explained Guckian whose side will travel out to New York on Thursday.
"He had to undergo surgery and he also missed the subsequent Championship games against Roscommon and Carlow.
âHowever, he got back for our League games against Limerick and Wicklow, and he would have had the benefit of two more League games but for the fact that those against London and Waterford did not take place because of the bad weather.â
