Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
Top bench is a boost for Tyrone
COLM CAVANAGH has hailed the Tyrone bench that has made such an impact in the team’s run to the All-ireland semi-final.
The Red Hands have been ending games brilliantly this summer, often with stronger teams than they started.
Their reserves clocked up 2-5 in Sunday’s win over Donegal.
And while boss Mickey Harte may again decide to stick rather than twist by holding quality players like Lee Brennan and Kieran Mcgeary back against Monaghan on Sunday, Cavanagh reckons they’re making it a really tough decision.
“There are some serious lads who are probably disappointed not to be starting and they’ve really put their hands up,” said the All-star. “That’s been happening week on week. Mickey’s tried different men at different stages and they’ve probably given him a headache but it’s a good place to be in.
“Gone are the days of a 15, 16-man game. You have to use your full quota every day.”
Meanwhile, Karl
O’connell predicts a “gruesome” semi-final on Sunday.
The in-form Farney star insists his county will not have any real advantage from having got their final Super 8s game over with almost a day before Tyrone did.
“There are no bonuses there – the four top teams are left,” said the 30-year-old. “You’re talking physicality, mentality, fitness, everything – it’s going to be so gruesome.
“And the way Croke Park is – it’s so fast, so quick – you’re going to need to be on top terms.”