Former Tyrone forward Owen Mulligan has written off the hopes of three of the remaining four Ulster counties' hopes in the race for this year's All-Ireland senior football championship title.

Armagh, Down and Monaghan are all in action this weekend, with the latter two facing each other for a place in the quarter-finals, but Mulligan feels his native county represent the only chance of bringing the Sam Maguire Cup back to the northern province for the first time since Donegal's 2012 triumph.

Writing in his blog for PaddyPower.com, the three-time All-Ireland winner and current London attacker talked up the Ulster champions' chances while also playing down Armagh's chances of causing an upset against Kildare on Saturday.

"As it stands The Red Hands are miles ahead and could dominate Ulster like Mayo did in Connacht for years to come. Their squad is so strong, with plenty of options that can make a huge difference coming off the bench," Mulligan wrote.

"Mickey Harte has rebuilt his side better than most teams, but had the benefit of not having to deal with a mass exodus at any stage and there's a lot less pressure that comes with that.

"Now he has a team that can definitely have a cut at Sam, something we haven't had for a while. If I could pick an opponent for the quarters it would definitely be Armagh, but I don't believe they'll make it beyond Kildare."

He added: "I really fear for McGeeney's side on Saturday, they haven't the team to do anything against the Leinster men - even though Jamie Clarke is back firing on all cylinders. I can't see anything other than a Kildare win.

"Monaghan have a terrible record in Croker, but it shouldn't matters. In each of their previous appearances they were the underdogs and they head into their clash with Down justifiably as favourites."

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