Mickey Harte defended Tyrone's tactics after they came close to beating Dublin at Croke Park.

The Red Hands looked set for victory when leading by three points with time almost up, but Dean Rock scored a late goal to salvage a share of the spoils for the Leinster champions.

Responding to criticism of his side's return to defensive tactics in recent games, the Tyrone manager said: "I like to see quality defending.

"People don't give defenders credit for defending with discipline. That's good to see as well.

"Many other teams get all their players behind the ball. In fact, in Premiership soccer - I know teams have 11-a-side - but sure how often do teams have everybody behind the ball, make a break and score?

"I don't see why it should be any different in Gaelic games. If you need to defend as a team and as a unit, then you need to attack that way as well."

Harte believes many neutrals would have enjoyed Saturday night's game, despite the lack of goal opportunities.

"Who ever said goals are what makes the game? Who ever said that people only come to see goals? Goals are just one aspect of the game. Sure it's nice when we see them from time to time.

"But there are other aspects of our game worth watching. I don't think the people out there were very disappointed at all. I think they must have been very happy," he maintained.

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