Burke feels Division 1 woes are standing to Roscommon

Roscommon manager Davy Burke believes his side are in a great position for the year ahead despite being very close to relegation from from Allianz Football League Division 1.

The Rossies have only one victory to show from their campaign against a now relegated Monaghan side and need a big turnaround in the final round.

Burke's side need to beat high-flying Derry and hope Galway come unstuck against Kerry.

It was the Kingdom doing damage in Dr Hyde Park today as a late goal by Joe O’Connor sealed a four-point success.

Burke said the display by his players in keeping Kerry close for 70 minutes and the return of some big players gives him room for optimism.

Speaking to RTÉ Sport, he said: "I'm disappointed with the result, ultimately, but delighted with some of the performances, delighted with the lads in general.

"I felt we were right in there, we were pushing on for a goal and we probably got done over the top for the goal.

"So I don't think the end result probably reflects the game, but delighted we're seriously moving forward.

"We had a weak enough start which we need to look at but we’re a right good side. When we get our best players on the field, we're as good as any of them. You can see the difference our bench made, Cathal Heneghan, Ultan Harney makes, Ronan Daly makes, Tadhg O'Rourke makes. We haven't had Ben O'Carroll all year. They're coming. Every week they're coming, they're coming, and we'll get there, you know.

"You see Paddy Gavin as the young fella from Clan Na Gael coming on now, brilliant. I thought he was excellent there in the second half so we can only get better in all this.

"Cathal Heneghan played very, very little senior football. "We'll only get better and better. Ronan Daly's only back after a year and a