A tall order for Tyrone to progress in McKenna

Tyrone need a win by a large margin this afternoon at home to Armagh if they are to progress to the knockout stages of this season’s McKenna Cup.

Key attacker Darren McCurry has backed the Red Hand management to once again go with a line up that contains a mixture of youth and experience.

McCurry (inset), who hit 1- 4 in last year’s All- Ireland final win over Mayo, was one of only four starters from that contest who began against Cavan on Tuesday night when Tyrone were well beaten at Breffni Park.

He acknowledges Tyrone will have to play better if they are to overcome the Orchard County but he also says it’s important that as many players as possible get valuable game time.

“We went up to Cavan looking to put in a good performance with a side that was a mixture of experience and new players but obviously things didn’t go our way,” he admitted.

“It’s difficult to get the balance as there are lads from last season looking game time as well as the new players who have been brought in but I’m sure there will be a good mixture against Armagh at the weekend as well as we try to get over the line.

Earth

“It was certainly a defeat that will bring us back down to earth very quickly.

“There are some positives as some of the newcomers did well but look, it’s the McKenna Cup and it’s very early in the season yet.

“We just have to put that result and in particular the performance behind us and fully focus for our meeting with Armagh, which will be another tough encounter.

“The Cavan game certainly wasn’t a good performance and we have plenty to work on.

“It’s important to have a few experienced players involved every day that you go out as there is no doubt it helps the new players coming in.

“At this stage of the season it’s all about getting game time, minutes on the field and miles of the clock in a competitive outing.

It’s a very short season and every game you want to be getting better and moving forward.”