McGuinness impressed by Mayo attack

August 18, 2015

Mayo's Aidan O'Shea scores the opening goal against Donegal in the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park.
©INPHO/James Crombie.

Jim McGuinness says Mayo's attack "has never been in better shape" - but he likes the look of Dublin's forwards too.

Looking ahead to Sunday week's All-Ireland semi-final between the Connacht and Leinster champions, the former Donegal manager anticipates one of the matches of the year, with an abundance of attacking talent on display:

"Mayo's attack has never been in better shape," he writes in The Irish Times. "They've got workrate, a fantastic attitude, energy, skills and, now, physicality in the full-forward line. They've got a running game in the half-forward line with Diarmuid O'Connor and Kevin McLaughlin, who can really cover the ground and good ball winners inside.

"They can run the ball but also have the outlet option and you can see they're working on the diagonal ball. The ball for Aidan O'Shea's goal against Donegal may have been straight but in the Connacht final they played a lot of diagonal balls and scored goals off that as well. They're bringing a lot to the table.

"Looking at both forward lines, though, you'd say that Dublin have six scoring forwards and maybe Mayo have four and two workers, so if Dublin can up the ante by matching Mayo's workrate that could tilt it in their favour.

"I see the potential for one of the best championship games in quite a while if both teams play to capacity. It could be high scoring and could really light up the season."


Most Read Stories