Curran urges Rossies boss to be positive

FORMER Roscommon goalkeeper Shane Curran has called on manager Fergie O’Donnell to show positivity in more ways than one against Tyrone this afternoon.

Curran felt his old team-mate was too despondent after the Connacht final defeat to Mayo when he said the team’s season was virtually finished.

As much as he understood there was method in O’Donnell’s madness in playing poor mouth, he argues it’s lost its appeal.

“I’d prefer to see him not doing it,” said the Castlerea St Kevins man. “He’s got to get away from some of the stuff of taking pressure off the players. There comes a time when you have to show confidence in your players too. I’m sure he has confidence but at the same time this idea of saying you don’t and playing down your chances wears thin.

“Roscommon were only Connacht champions up to two weeks ago. They’re a good side. Give it their best shot against Tyrone and they have a chance.

“We’ve seen with Waterford’s hurlers how a team can regroup and refocus on the task ahead and win.

“The lads have had two weeks too so that’s enough time to move on from Hyde Park.”

Curran, co-owner of Puntee kicking tees, was astonished by just how badly Roscommon set themselves up against Mayo. Irrespective of the poor weather conditions, he felt they didn’t themselves any favours in the brand of football they played and some of the positional decisions.

“There were no excuses for players not getting the ball or players being put in positions they’re not suited to. Cathal Cregg was completely wasted in the game. Roscommon won a Connacht title last year by playing simple football. The game’s made out at times to be intricate and complicated but if you play to a team’s strengths you’ve a great chance.

“(Conor) Devaney playing off the big two, Cregg at wing-forward and wing-forward only... they’re two players who can create opportunities but only if they play in their right positions.

“Whatever about Cregg’s defensive role in the second-half, I don’t believe that Fergie sent them out to play like that.

“We have two great inside forwards but if they’re not getting ball you might as well have muppets there.

“Roscommon have to stop playing the ball so much around the middle third. They’ve to be more positive.

“Sometimes teams are set up to be defensive for the sake of being defensive.”