Ger Loughnane praised Galway for their work rate following yesterday's All-Ireland SHC quarter-final victory over Clare in Thurles.

The RTE pundit, who has managed both counties in the past, came in for some heat following his stinging criticism of the Tribesmen in the aftermath of their Leinster final defeat to Kilkenny but couldn't fault them after yesterday's six-point win.

"In fairness, they (Clare) didn't throw themselves down - they didn't surrender. But they were outmuscled, in the right way," Loughnane stated afterwards.

"Galway were the physically stronger team. The great thing about Galway today was number one, their defence and number two, their work rate.

"It wasn't a spectacular display by the Galway forwards, but they worked so hard, which you have to do in the modern game, and is something they haven't always done.

"Now Clare, beaten in the air, beaten in the tight, living off scraps and taking  the wrong options up front when they got the ball. You know, it's three years in a row that they haven't got to Croke Park, a team that won an All-Ireland. So it raises real questions about maybe the quality of the team and where the team is going, so big, big problems ahead for Clare."

He added: "For Galway, it's onwards and upwards. I thought today was much better than I've seen from them in a long time - mainly because of the defence.

"They gave away 1-26 in the Leinster final, and the goalie (Callanan) was terrific today, he made one or two great saves so an awful lot of positives for Galway but big, big questions for Clare.

"You'd be more encouraged for them after today because of the work rate of every player - their bigger players - Joe Canning's work rate was outstanding. It's something that they haven't always done and will give them great encouragement."

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