Ulster SFC Semi-final: John O'Keeffe Football Analyst: What would potentially have been an intriguing contest had Tyrone not been emaciated somewhat by injury has lost a little of its impact.
Few teams can accommodate the loss of players like Brian McGuigan and the fact 2005 footballer of the year Stephen O'Neill is only fit enough to start on the bench. Gerard Cavlan's knee injury merely underlines just how unfortunate manager Mickey Harte has been with injuries. McGuigan's absence, though, will be the most keenly felt because he orchestrates the forward line so effectively.
I have been highly impressed with Donegal en route to winning the National League. I watched the game against Kerry with particular interest and noted a team that is blossoming, a formidable outfit, well coached by Brian McIver.
They possess the raw material in terms of personnel to win competitions at the highest level, from the tight marking of the full-back line to the score-taking prowess of the forwards. There is also a physicality to the manner in which they play.
Their midfield combination of Kevin Cassidy and Neil Gallagher complement one another beautifully, the former's mobility and work-rate the perfect foil for the high-fielding Gallagher. The forward unit is populated by pacey, athletic footballers with high skill levels, although they'll miss Christy Toye. His work ethic both in attack and defence is exemplary.
Brendan Devenney, once fully fit, is a consummate footballer and a highly influential figure. I wouldn't be surprised if Tyrone detail Ryan McMenamin to shadow him and try to negate the Donegal man's influence. Colm McFadden has the strength and aerial prowess to offer the ideal inside target man. Adrian Sweeney mightn't be fit enough to last a full game but he's a brilliant substitute to be able to introduce.
While Donegal were made to look a little ordinary in their victory over Armagh, playing a brand of football less cavalier than their league fare, it was possibly down to the pressure of playing at home on a tight playing area. The wide open spaces of Croke Park seem to suit them better.
It was a dour struggle but Donegal demonstrated their mettle in passing this particular test against a team noted for their uncompromising, blanket defence. It was an important win in the development of this team.
The jury is out on Tyrone, based on what they have done to date this season. They weren't at their best in the Fermanagh game but there is huge mitigation because of their reduced playing resources. They have been dogged by injuries for two years now. It would be wrong to write them off but it's going to take some monumental individual performances if they're to get past Donegal.
Seán Cavanagh will be a key figure and he's going to have to assume a great deal of the work load. They'll also need a high profile, scoring performance from Owen Mulligan. He's back after injury but hasn't quite recaptured the quality of which he is capable.
I have always admired Tyrone's short passing game, the distribution slick and the running off the ball intelligent. You can expect Brian Dooher to be at the heart of the distribution chain. For them to prevail tomorrow's it will require a huge improvement from the Fermanagh match.
Donegal have done everything right this season and I think they are genuine All-Ireland title contenders. I believe they'll have a big season and that Tyrone, shorn of too many key players, won't be able to stop their march.
