STICK or twist – that’s the big question facing Tyrone selectors as they ponder an Ulster final starting spot for the super-subs that pushed them over the line against Donegal.
Tiarnan McCann, Conor McKenna and Cathal McShane came off the bench to hit five points as the Red Hands found power and pace down the straight to reach their first provincial decider since 2017.
Now Feargal Logan, Brian Dooher and their backroom team have big calls to debate over whether they alter their starting line-up for next weekend’s Croke Park clash with Monaghan.
“Going forward, these lads will be pushing for a start themselves, and other lads on the periphery of the panel will be pushing on as well,” said coach Joe McMahon.
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“And that’s healthy competition, and that’s what we want to see. There’s plenty of competition there for the next day, and we know that it’s going to be a huge challenge.”
But double All-Ireland winner McMahon hinted that some of the big guns may once again be held in reserve for the thrust and impact they can bring to the latter stages of the contest.
“That’s what you’re looking for, an impact from your bench,” he said.
“Tiarnan McCann came off the bench and scored three points, Conor McKenna came on, scoring a point. Especially in the conditions, that’s what it’s going to take.
“Cathal, as we know, has missed a lot of football and it’s great to see him back.
“He’s got another bit of time and it will stand to him as the season progresses, and looking towards the next day as well.
“Also, Conor has missed a bit of football in recent times, and you could see, getting a point on the board, doing an awful lot of off-the-ball work and getting the tackles in.
“That’s where the game is at now. Lads put in a big shift for 40, 50 minutes and you’re bringing fresh legs in. That was the difference in a big part of the game.”
Back in May, Tyrone and Monaghan finished level in a Healy Park League tie. With a late Ryan McAnespie leveller tying it up at 0-14 each.
Both sides have progressed in the meantime, but all the indications are that little will separate them in the Anglo-Celt Cup decider.
“We saw what they have offered to date, and we played against them in the National League,” McMahon said.
“Probably they were unlucky not to come away with a win in the end, but it makes for an intriguing battle.”
The Omagh St Enda’s man expects the memory of the late Brendan Og Duffy to once again provide impetus and inspirational to the Monaghan men.
“He seemed to be an inspirational character and a huge loss both to the local community, the team and most importantly his family.
“You could see that in the performance that Monaghan brought against Armagh, and full credit to them for that.
“The huge thing is the GAA community and how they get around people and support them in any way that they can, and we’re very lucky in that way.”
