While underage success in any sport can give plenty of hope for the future, it is not an accurate guide of senior success.
In Gaelic football, there are a few counties that have made waves at Minor and U21 level in recent years.
For example, Tipperary's record at those levels is at a similar standing to senior heavyweights Kerry provincially.
But this evening, the teams concerned are Cavan and Roscommon who have done well at underage level in Ulster and Connacht respectively.
As James Horan said on Off The Ball this Thursday, both sides need to start delivering now rather than wait for success that is not guaranteed at a later date.
So, below is a graphic showing what the two counties have achieved at underage and some of the players who have made the transition to the senior panel.
Cavan v Roscommon is our live game this evening on Off The Ball with commentary from Oisin Langan, Billy Joe Padden and Kevin Cassidy. You can listen to James Horan and Colm Parkinson's preview of the game via the podcast:
And looking at counties that are making the mark at elite level such as Mayo, it's perhaps not a surprise that they are currently dominating Connacht having won seven U21s between 2001 and 2009, and that latter crop includes current stars such Aidan O'Shea, Keith Higgins and Tom Parsons.
Plus, the county has taken five provincial minor titles since 2008.
The same goes for the Dubs with the likes Jonny Cooper, Rory O'Carroll, Dean Rock, James McCarthy and Jack McCaffrey - among others - all winning U21 All-Irelands before being integrated in the senior setup.
So, while it could be a case of watch this space for Cavan and Roscommon in the years to come, it's all about this
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