New Down manager James McCartan has vowed not to take anything for granted as he faces the students of Queens on Saturday in Round Two of the 2010 Dr McKenna Cup.
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James McCartan will see a few familiar faces on the opposing touchline, having spent six years as the manager of Queens.
Making in managerial debut in his native county, McCartan told UTV he was aware of the challenges ahead.
"Whenever I was the manager of Queens we always saw the McKenna Cup as a chance to try and get one over on a county team and I am assuming it will be no different this weekend.
"We are probably more guarded in our approach than maybe some other county teams and we certainly won't be taking anybody for granted."
The 2008 McKenna Cup Champions were knocked out of last year's competition by Queens at the semi-final stage.
McCartan has said the focus is on the year ahead, despite a difficult start.
"The weather has put a big restraint on what we can do", McCartan told UTV.
"We've been training at Ballymartin, and we've been very grateful for them to give us their ground. The underfoot conditions have been good there but it has been a bit blustery so it will be nice to get onto firmer soil under lights around Newry or Burren."
Marty Clarke, 21, who recently returned to the County after a three-year spell as a professional Australian Rules footballer, will don the senior Down jersey for the first time on Saturday.
"He's gelling in very well, he certainly hasn't got any big ideas about himself, he just wants to get his head down and start playing football for Down", McCartan said.
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