Cork find themselves in an odd situation as they face a relegation decider against Clare at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick this weekend.

But according to ex-Cork captain Mark Landers, the fact that the Rebels find themselves staring at the abyss should not be a huge surprise:

"From a purist point of view, you wouldn't expect a Cork hurling team to be anywhere near relegation. But at the same time it's the reality and a ture reflection of where Cork are at this moment in time in their development. It's no secret that we haven't competed in an All Ireland final since 2006 and for a county of Cork's tradition that would be very disappointing."

But the All-Ireland-winning captain believes underage developments are improving, although he cites the ultra-competitive nature of Division 1A for Cork's current plight:

"If you put all the results down on paper, you will see that all teams have beaten each other. There is no major form line and the major examples would be Tipperary, Clare and Cork."

Listen to the interview in full below: 

©INPHO/Tom Honan