Rafferty knows ‘pressure’ is now on to earn positive result

LIAM Rafferty admits the pressure is on Tyrone to secure a positive result at Mayo on Sunday if the Red Hands are to secure their top flight survival in Division One

 

Their early season home victories over heayweights Kerry and Dublin will count for nought if they fall to defeat in Castlebar this weekend, an outcome that would open the trap door to Division Two.

 

A four point reverse in Ballybofey to Donegal last Sunday has left Mickey Harte’s men in the mire at the wrong end of the table and Rafferty acknowledges his side have no room for manoeuvre this Sunday.

 

The up and coming Galbally star realises that while the Red Hands only have to avoid defeat this weekend, the fact that Mayo, who were rampant in a 3-23 to 0-17 away mauling of Galway on Sunday – have to win against Tyrone to stay up, makes their task all the more difficult.

 

However, he is adamant that Mickey Harte’s men are relishing the task ahead.

 

“We’re really looking forward to it, it’s a massive game and we really need to win,” the 22-year-old teacher said.

 

“Every game from now on is a knock-out game, and Mayo are one of the best teams in Ireland.

 

“We saw what they did last week, they were very impressive, and it’s going to be a tough one.

 

“We felt the pressure back in March, with the wins over Kerry and Dublin. We were hammered by Galway, and then we came back the next week and beat Dublin, so it’s a bit turnaround. The pressure is really on for us, and hopefully we can put in a performance that will get the win for us.

 

“It would be a shame to beat Dublin and Kerry and still get relegated.”