Tyrone defender Ronan McNabb hails ‘perfect’ Malachy O’Rourke

Tyrone defender Ronan McNabb has described Monaghan manager Malachy O’Rourke’s tactical strategy as ‘perfect’.

The Dromore man says Tyrone must produce their finest performance of the season if they are to come out on top in Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final at Croke Park.

“They are set up perfectly. I know Ryan Porter (Monaghan team trainer) well from his time at Dromore and I know there will be no stone left unturned by him. Malachy O’Rourke will be the same,” said McNabb.

“They’re a formidable outfit, and a huge challenge for us. Against Donegal they showed that when their game-plan worked to a tee. They produced a good performance and probably frustrated Donegal. They are a quality side we know that but at the quarter-finals you don’t expect anything else, as we were always going to meet a provincial champion. We know they are going to be a massive challenge.”

Tyrone defeated the Farney men at the same stage two years ago, and the post-match commentary was dominated by Sean Cavanagh’s tackle on Conor McManus.

That particular debate has run its course, according to McNabb, who believes the focus will be entirely on the battle for supremacy. “I don’t think that will be a big factor in it at all. We just know that we have a lot of work to do this week and try and right the wrongs that we saw the last day (v Sligo).”