Down’s Connaire Harrison earned an All-Star nomination last year for his fantastic attacking performances

CONNAIRE Harrison knows that there will be extra focus on him this term following last year’s exploits with Down.

He was in a hot streak of form then, but he knows that he must prove that he can continue in a similar vein over an extended period of time.

The first sign of that came last week in Drogheda as his late 1-2 burst quelled a Louth comeback and allowed Down to pick up their first opening-day points under Eamonn Burns.

Sunday is another chance for Harrison to show that he’s not some one-hit wonder.

“I knew that the eyes would be on me this season, especially if I failed,” he said.

“And don’t get me wrong, I was quiet enough against Louth, but you couldn’t get moving really on that heavy field.

“I knew that if I didn’t do something then the screw would start to turn on you a bit but thankfully I managed to get a few scores near the end.

“People will be wondering was it a one season job and it’s up to me now to back up what I did last year.

“I hit a goal and two points in the last four or five minutes and that will give me great confidence going into the Cork match.”

The full interview is is available in store today or online here.