While McMenamin has been marshalling the right corner of the Tyrone defence this season, it would be a major surprise if the Dromore man isn't given the task of shadowing the Kerry number 13. McMenamin is, without doubt, Tyrone's best marker and would relish the challenge of attempting to shut out Cooper, who is arguably the top forward in the game at present. 'Goochí gave an exhibition of scoring in last year's final against Mayo and Tyrone know that if they can restrict his influence, they will stand a great chance of relieving the Kingdom of their All-Ireland title. Known as 'Ricey' to his team-mates, McMenamin is a Rottweiler of a corner back who never gives an inch to his opponents. Born in Canada, the Dromore clubman didn't represent Tyrone in the minor or under 21 grades. However, he has proven himself as an outstanding senior and embodies the never-say-die attitude that has been Tyrone's hallmark this season. A key member of the 2003 All-Ireland winning team, the 27-year-old courted controversy earlier this year when he received a one-month suspension arising out of an incident in the Ulster final replay. And although he was forced to sit out the All-Ireland qualifier against Monaghan, his success appeal against the suspension saw him return to the team for the quarter-final against Dublin. While McMenamin's priority is to defend, he showed in the dramatic All-Ireland semi-final win over Armagh that he can make an impact at the opposite end of the field when scoring a vital point in the closing stages. Still only 22, Cooper is one of the most naturally gifted forwards in the game and in full flight is a joy to watch. The 'Goochí has continued where he left off last year and has scored freely in all of Kerry's championship outings to date. He scored one of the goals of the season in the opening minutes of the All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Mayo and was simply magic in the first half of Kerry's semi-final trouncing of Cork. When on form, the Dr Crokes sharpshooter is unstoppable and despite his slight frame, he has the ability to win whatever type of ball comes his way. Both players are bidding to win their second All-Ireland medals and the outcome of this duel is likely to have a major bearing on the final result. Tweet

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