Attention is shifting towards Sunday weeks All-Ireland football final between Tyrone and champions Dublin.
Tyrone legend, Peter Canavan has had his say on where he feels Tyrone need to be successful if they are to upset the odds and claim back Sam Maguire.
The former captain believes that the Red-Hands need to push up on Cluxton’s kick-outs if they are to stand any chance against Dublin.
Writing in his weekly Sky Sports column, Canavan believes that in order to beat Dublin, you have to start by disrupting their kick-outs.
The former All-Ireland winning captain, highlighted Tyrone’s inability to do this against a Monaghan side they only overcame by one point in last week’s semi-final.
“If we are going to trouble Dublin or even try to rattle them we have to start with their kick-outs and that was an area the team was poor in against Monaghan.”
“In fact we only won two out of Monaghan’s 24 kick-outs and one of those resulted in a point for Petey Harte.” Canavan added.
“Tyrone only ended up winning that game by a point so that kick-out won was crucial.”
“And if we do not challenge Dublin in that regard and try to put Cluxton under pressure from the start it will be hard to see Tyrone getting the result they need.” Canavan said.
It must be worrying for Tyrone fans that their greatest ever player sees this as the key to unlocking Dublin, given the fact they struggled so badly with Monaghan’s kick-outs.
They should take some solace though in that Rory Beggan has probably overtook Stephen Cluxton as the best ‘keeper in the country, and his effectiveness from restarts is very hard to nullify.
Canavan also pointed to Tyrone’s bench being equal to that of Dublin’s and claimed condition will also come into play next Sunday
Tyrone are going to go into the game as underdogs. They will need to up their game once more if they are to stand any chance.
Over the next two weeks they will be expecting to hear pundits and experts predict a Dublin walkover considering last years mauling in Croke Park.
We feel that will suit Tyrone just fine going into this game. No matter what, they will be full of confidence going into the decider given the county’s record, as well as Mickey Harte’s record in All-Ireland finals.
