I AM looking forward to the winner takes all tie on Saturday evening when we entertain Longford in Round Two of the All-Ireland Qualifiers.
A lot of the so-called pundits are tipping us to win easily but Longford have shown that they are a good side and they will be full of confidence after their win over Mayo.
I played against Longford when they beat us in the qualifiers in 2002 so I am very aware of their footballing skills.
They beat a Mayo side that up until they league final were one of the most impressive teams in the league.
They have a lot of talented footballers, none less than Paul Barden, who was the star in 2002 and is still a pivotal player for them.
Home advantage is a major plus for us though and I expect another great atmosphere in the Marshes.
Pairc Esler when full has one of the best atmospheres in the country and when the Down support gets behind us it really spurs us on.
Training has been good since the defeat to Tyrone and everyone is keen to show the country that we can perform for seventy minutes.
The few weeks since the Tyrone game will certainly have benefited Dan Gordon and Ambrose and these two figures will be pivotal for us winning crucial possession on Saturday.
If we play to our potential then we should come through in a close encounter. Our aim is to get playing in Croke Park before the end of the summer and I have no doubt that we have the talent in the county to meet that target.
There are some other fantastic games this weekend but I expect Armagh to beat Fermanagh in Brewster Park, although Fermanagh will be a tougher task than Donegal.
We went to Brewster Park last season and were beaten by a side that had plenty of hunger and who were well organised by their manager.
Fermanagh will be hurting after their performance against Monaghan and I expect them to become physical with Armagh because if they try and play football against the orchard men then they will lose convincingly.
Cork should beat Cavan at home and I reckon Derry should get another win under their belt when they travel to Westmeath.
Derry is the kind of team who will improve with every game and if they can get Paddy Bradley back on board then they could be a major force at the bed of the summer.