McConnell hopeful that there’s ‘a kick’ in Tyrone

Former Tyrone goalkeeper Pascal McConnell admits that there is a sense of apprehension in the county ahead of his county’s trip to King and Moffatt Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday.

Given the Red Hand County’s pedigree, there is hope that Tyrone can build upon their encouraging display against Armagh in the opening round of the Ulster Championship. But McConnell feels that Roscommon possess a different dynamic this year.

“Hopefully, Tyrone will have taken some positives from that Armagh display. As for the league campaign, the less said the better.

“But we are hoping that, maybe, there is still a kick in this Tyrone team. During the last number of seasons, there is always a big result in them, and that is what we are clinging to. When they are written off, they seem to come up trumps somewhere along the line.

“This is the toughest draw Tyrone could have faced. Roscommon are riding high at the minute, especially after their Connacht final win. They showed great character in that game, to be fair.

“I think with the Roscommon of old, once you got on top of them, you would beat them. That doesn’t seem to be the case now. Nowadays, they’re a frightening prospect, and a very physical challenge lies in store. Tyrone will have their work cut out, to be quite honest,” he noted.

McConnell, who won three All-Ireland senior titles, two national U-21 titles and an All-Ireland minor crown with Tyrone is well-positioned to look at both goalkeepers heading into Sunday’s game.

The former Tyrone netminder feels that the role of the goalkeeper has changed drastically over the years, which is why he is keen to see how Conor Carroll and Niall Morgan fare this weekend.

“With the new rules, it has confined the goalkeepers to Niall’s dislike. However, I feel the role of the ‘keeper from the restarts has never been bigger. Some goalies have really hit the ground running. Some of the kicking has been a treat to watch. Conor is no different, while Niall has been around the block.

“The tactical side is so intriguing and the counteracting work that teams now have to put in, especially against them two goalkeepers, is massive. From a Tyrone perspective, we're hoping that Brian Kennedy may be back. He gives us that massive physical presence. Conn (Kilpatrick) has a great understanding with Niall (Morgan) due to them being clubmates, and we hope that continues on Sunday.

“But you have to stand back and admire Conor Carroll’s influence on that Connacht final. It is going to be intriguing. Whoever can cut out that threat will go a long way to having a say in the game,” McConnell claimed.

Despite his hope for a Tyrone victory, McConnell feels that Roscommon are better-equipped, at the moment, to overcome his native county.

“I think that we will be in the game for long periods. But I do think with Roscommon’s firepower and this new-found character that they have, especially over the last number of months, will see them get over the line. I will be surprised if we come away with a victory, but I will be overjoyed if we do.

“However, I just think Roscommon are ahead of Tyrone in the current climate, so I can see nothing other than a Roscommon win. I would have been very hopeful with a neutral venue, but I think Roscommon have got a fortress down there in Hyde Park. I think that home advantage will bode well for them on Sunday.” he concluded.