Jason Ryan has been stoking the fires ahead of Kildare's All-Ireland Round 4B qualifier against Monaghan on Saturday.

The Kildare manager has angered the Farney by claiming their All Star forward Conor McManus is the best player in the country at winning frees. Ryan's controversial comments on Newstalk's 'Off the Ball' programme last night come after Cork selector Ronan McCarthy accused Mayo forwards Cillian O'Connor and Kevin McLoughlin of tactical fouling ahead of their All-Ireland SFC quarter-final showdown on Sunday.

"Conor McManus is just outstanding, both as a free-taker and from play, and when it comes to winning frees, he is probably the number one free-winner in the country," Ryan said.

"(Referee) David Coldrick will be keeping a very close eye on all the tackles that we don't have a situation whereby there is dispute over fouls and what not."

Relations between Monaghan and Kildare were strained two years ago when they were each hit with €5,000 fines as a result of a mass brawl which broke out at half-time during a stormy Allianz League clash at Clones. Tweet

Most Read Stories