Daniel Goulding: Cork have to approach Tyrone game with 'us against the world' mindset 

Former Cork footballer Daniel Goulding believes the Rebels have every reason to be confident as they prepare to face Tyrone at O’Neills Healy Park in Omagh on Sunday with throw-in at 1.15pm.

The Éire Óg man, a key figure in Cork’s 2010 All-Ireland triumph, says the Rebels’ recent form shows a team growing in belief and cohesion.

Five wins in six Allianz Division 2 Football League games leaves the Leesiders on the brink of promotion needing a win or a draw against Tyrone to move up.

“If you would have said at the start of the league that it would be in Cork’s own hands going into the last day, we all would have taken it,” Goulding says.

“They have improved an awful lot this year in comparison to recent years and I believe if they can match the heights of the Meath game they have a good chance of getting a positive result.

“It will be tight, but I do believe Cork have an opportunity if they put their best foot forward. Tyrone have been up and down this year. Looking at their game the last day against Meath, Darragh Canavan is back after his trip away was curtailed, Darren McCurry only came on and they have a new player Ethan Jordan who scored 1-9.

“Tyrone have been brilliant and then they have struggled a bit. They were with Meath until the closing stages and we all know how good Meath are this year and how they are improving.” 

Goulding had mixed experiences from his trips to Omagh during his Cork career. He has seen both sides of the coin.

“Omagh is a bit of a fortress, but Cork teams have gone up there in the past and won,” he said.

“Cork have to approach this with the mindset that it’s us against the world, the players on the bus, the management and the 100 Cork supporters that go to every away game.

“You have to be prepared for a battle and if you get on top in the game early on, it gives you great confidence. It’s going to be loud up there. Tyrone need a point to make sure of safety.

“This game will be as close as you're going to get to knockout championship really. I am sure Cork will be treating it like that.” 

The Rebels haven’t been in Division 1 since 2016. It has been a long decade, but that long wait could be over this weekend.

Promotion could well be a game-changer for Cork football.

“Cork getting into Division 1 and playing the top teams regularly can only improve them. It’s something the management and players would have been working towards since the start.

“It’s going to be a pressure game. You need to perform and grind out a result. Everything is on the line.

“If Cork don’t get a result and miss out, it’s not the end of the world. It has been a successful league campaign, at the same time, it would obviously be huge to get promoted.

“Cork have been in very good form and have played some great stuff. The Derry loss was a blip and there were circumstances that led to what happened.

“I am sure Cork will be going all out to get a good result against Tyrone, but also knowing that it won’t define their season.”