Sean Cavanagh believes Tyrone will have to adopt a more daring approach against Dublin if they are to triumph in Sunday’s All-Ireland final.
Dublin swept Tyrone aside in their semi-final clash last year before sealing a third Sam Maguire against Mayo at Croke Park.
Tyrone boss Mickey Harte failed to turn the game around after attempting to restrict Dublin with a set-up that was designed to contain their opponents.
And Cavanagh, a known critic of Tyrone’s defensive style of play, is urging his former manager to seize the game rather than allow Dublin to dictate proceedings.
“Mickey has to push tomorrow. The reality is that everyone in Tyrone doesn’t want to see another horror show like the semi-final last year,” Cavanagh told OTB.
“I think he has to go from the off because if Dublin get three or four points on you, they will comfortably sit in their shape and pick you off.
Sean Cavanagh (right) was speaking on the Saturday Panel in association with Benetti Menswear
“[Niall] Scully and [Brian] Howard and these runners will pick you off on the counter. Tyrone knows how dangerous a team is when you get that three or four point lead.
“We had so many battles with the likes of Jim McGuinness’ Donegal over the years where they got ahead of you early and waited for you to over commit."
OTB host David McIntyre asked Cavanagh how Tyrone should go about “pushing” Dublin as they seek to win the All-Ireland title.
“They may leave Colm [Cavanagh] back but everyone else will have to push onto the nearest man and Dublin will probably have Cian O’Sullivan back sweeping and Tyrone will have Colm back sweeping,” Cavanagh added.
“Apart from that everyone will have to accountable for their man. I think Dublin will push from the start as well and we could have an intriguing game where both teams are fighting tooth and nail in those first 10 or 15 minutes.
“There’s going to be gaps at the back and there could be goal opportunities very early on.”
The Saturday Panel was brought to you in association with Benetti Menswear – Ireland’s leading Menswear provider.
James Hopper
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