By Mark McGoldrick

CROKE Park beckons for Fermanagh on Saturday as the Erne men bid to take one final step towards the Tailteann Cup final and Declan Bonner wants his players to embrace the challenge.

The Fermanagh boss has watched his side build momentum with every passing week of their campaign and, while Down are hot favourites, belief is growing that the Erne men can rise to the occasion.

With Conor Laverty’s side in his sights, Bonner knows there was never going to be an easy route to the final.

“We knew it was either going to be Down or Offaly and they’d be stiff challenges no matter who,” Bonner said. “The guys know Down well. They played them in the championship last year and we had them in the league this year so we know plenty about them.

“They’re a good side. Any team that goes into Donegal and takes that scalp, you have to respect them.”

Down’s surprise Ulster Championship quarter-final victory over Donegal and their impressive run in the Tailteann Cup means they’ll be favourites for Saturday’s semi-final, which throws in at Croker at 3pm.

The Fermanagh manager says his players are ready to embrace the underdog tag.

“We know we’re going to be big underdogs going into it, but it’s a challenge we’re looking forward to and going to relish and really embrace this week,” Bonner said.

Despite the task ahead, the Fermanagh boss believes his side are heading in the right direction.

“We have been gathering momentum over the last six or seven weeks and it’s been building nicely,” he said. “We know the mountain we have to climb but these lads will be well prepared.”

Bonner also called on the Erne supporters to travel in numbers to Croke Park as excitement continues to build across the county.

“It’s a great place to be. You don’t get to play in Croke Park too often and it’s important that we get as many supporters to Dublin as possible,” he said.

“There is a lot of work going in and it’s been great to see the children coming out onto the pitch after games. It has given the thing a real lease of life and a boost within the county. We’re all in this together and we have to get behind the team again.”