Despite the defensive problems, I'd still be optimistic about Mayo's prospects in Omagh

by Martin Carney, Mayo GAA's foremost columnist

Mayo’s defending – maintaining shape, shadowing, stopping, tackling, marking and applying controlled aggression – isn’t where it needs to be at the moment.

For whatever reason, this is the sector that has come up short in the games so far and is a main topic of discussion ahead of today's clash against Tyrone at Omagh.

Against Monaghan, failure to check runners and contest aggressively in the air cost the team scores. A similar narrative was the case against Roscommon.

Five goals conceded in their three games to date doesn’t paint an accurate picture. Were it not for some excellent Jack Livingstone stops in Clones, this figure could well have doubled.

Here and generally around the midfield sector is where most remedial work is needed. Even so, I’d still be positive.

The five-week lay-off between the Roscommon and Monaghan games was certain to result in a degree of rustiness and I believe that Mayo will be sharper and more alert in these areas the next day.

Andy will stick with the defensive spine of McHugh and McBrien but both need primarily to fulfil their defensive duties at the expense of getting forward.

The form of Jack Coyne and Enda Hession remains a worry.

Tyrone’s Ethan Jordan and Eoin McElholm, aside from being tricky and elusive, are accurate corner forwards. If Coyne or Hession, or whoever is selected here, can nullify these threats, then Mayo will sow the foundation for victory.

Midfielders Conn Kilpatrick and Brian Kennedy looked excellent for Tyrone against Roscommon. Kilpatrick is particularly impressive at the moment.

Mayo are still undecided about their strongest pairing here.

In general, Jack Carney and Jordan Flynn got through a power of work in Clones but they have a tendency to drift out of games for periods.

And perhaps that is why Bob Tuohy is back in the starting 15 now.

Still, ongoing improvement is a must. This will happen provided industry on and off the ball is matched with consistency and intelligence.

There’s no doubt that Andy Moran’s decision to ask Kobe McDonald and Darragh Beirne flank Ryan O’Donoghue in the full-forward line was the big success in Clones.

All three came out of the game with great credit; their cumulative return of one goal and 16 points speaks for itself.

Getting the ball early and in space suited them and this is what Mayo must continue to do.

Their quality by now is well flagged; Tyrone will have noticed this and there’s no Ulster team better equipped to neutralise threats like what these carry.

Expect a hard and unforgiving afternoon for all three where patience, efficiency and a willingness to endlessly work alongside and for one another is vital.

Winning in Clones was a timely pick-me-up. Lessons learned and the confidence emanating from the win should stand to the team.

Mayo won’t fear Tyrone. They have no reason other than their own inconsistencies to trouble them.

Staying in the contest minute by minute is critical and not allowing, as happened in Clones, an air of complacency take hold if and when they get in front.

Quenching the home roar from the start would help. A tighter defence coupled to a more dominant middle eight that can secure ball, and get it to the main score-takers, would point the way.

Tyrone are beatable. The direct path to the quarterfinal is preferable.

Playing in Omagh should hold no fears. I’d imagine the positive memories of last year’s redemptive 2-17 to 1-13 win over the same opponents at the same venue is still strong. That direct path to the All-Ireland quarterfinal is possible.