ANDY: KILL ’EM WHEN WE HAVE ’EM WOBBLING

MEATH manager Andy McEntee has challenged his players to go for the jugular when they have teams at their mercy.

But the Royals chief admits it is a skill that will take time to master and pointed to their Super 8s campaign as a huge learning curve.

McEntee rejected the suggestion that after the disappointment of losing to Donegal last weekend, his players could struggle to raise themselves again to play Mayo at Croke Park.

He said he won’t

”have any problem motivating these fellas” and insisted that the All-Ireland quarter-final group stage is one giant opportunity to learn from the best.

Meath put themselves in a winning position against Donegal with a one-point lead after 54 minutes in Phase 1 but caved in and lost by nine.

McEntee said: “We’ve got to learn to kill games, when we’re in a position to win we’ve got to learn how to deal with it and put them to bed.

“But how do you learn that unless you’re playing teams like Donegal on a regular basis? I think the experience will stand to us in the long-term.”

McEntee made the comments to LMFM local radio having declined to speak to the local and national print in recent weeks.

He appears to be frustrated with the print media’s coverage of a verbal altercation between he and a local journalist after the Leinster final. McEntee (inset) said that, separately, there has been criticism of the players’ attitude and talent but he heaped praised on them.

He said: “I think a lot of people questioned their attitude and questioned their ability. That’s grossly unfair. They’ve been superb, for the amount of time I’ve been with them they’ve been superb.”

And he was surprised at the suggestion players’ morale may have taken a battering after the Donegal setback. They can still qualify for the last four of the Championship if they beat Mayo at Croke Park and take out Kerry in Navan in Phase 3.

McEntee said: “I think these fellas want to just get out again and play again. Sure why wouldn’t you? This is what they want to do.

“This is what they’ve worked so hard to get to. So I won’t have any problem motivating these fellas. To go into Croke Park and play Mayo? Fantastic.”

Mayo v Meath Croke Park 2pm

BAD START