KIERAN Donaghy said Austin Stacks are prepared for a tough battle next month, when they face Slaughtneil in the AIB All-Ireland Club Football semi-final.

The Kerry captain was speaking in a video interview with Kerry GAA TV about the year ahead for both Austin Stacks and Kerry.

“We have to pay them massive respect, they’ve come out of an unbelievable province in Ulster. The way they beat Omagh will stand to them hugely,” he said.

“We know we’re in for a battle, but we’re battle-hardened ourselves. We’ve battled our way through many games this year and it’s something we’ll be looking to build on,” said the Stacks player.

“We just need to play a bit of better football because we’ll need that to beat them. We’re looking forward to it. It’s a great chance for us” said Donaghy.

For more on his ambitions for Kerry this year see the full interview here