FRANK Burns hopes Tyrone’s comprehensive win over Monaghan last Saturday night can propel them to Division One safety after a meek start to their NFL campaign this season.
The Red Hands opened up with two defeats to Kerry and Mayo before pinching a point against Roscommon – but they finally clicked into gear against their Ulster rivals in Omagh.
“That was an important win for us,” said Burns, who played in the sweeper’s role.
“We knew and Monaghan knew coming into the game that both of us needed points because neither of us were in a good spot. We’d a point and they’d two so we both knew it was going to be a big game and thankfully we came out the right side of it.
“We put a lot of effort into training over the last two weeks targeting the Monaghan game and only this game only so we’re delighted to get the two points.”
Burns dismissed the suggestion that Tyrone’s slow start in Division One was due to them resuming training later than normal due to a team holiday.
“I know we were later starting than any other year but I wouldn’t blame that,” he said.
“We were training hard. I don’t know what the problem was but we corrected it over the last two weeks in training and it showed against Monaghan. Hopefully that’s us up and running now.
“We were just not getting it right on the field on those particular days [against Kerry and Mayo].”
Tyrone will hope to take another step to Division One safety this weekend when they host Cavan who finally got a win – over Roscommon – to give themselves a chance of staying in the top flight next season.
“We target staying in Division One every year. Every day we go out we target a win in every game we play, whether it’s McKenna Cup or whatever time of year it is, Mickey Harte wants to win every game.”
Burns was among a number of high performers against Monaghan alongside Ben McDonnell, Pomeroy club-mate Kieran McGeary, Mattie Donnelly and Peter Harte.
Errigal Ciaran ace Harte bagged 1-6 in a brilliant performance which will be remembered for his audacious chipped effort that clipped Rory Beggan’s post towards the end of the tie.
“Fair play to Petey for going for it,” said Burns.
“He did serious well for that chance. You could see how robust he was in breaking tackles with three or four men around him. If he had put it in the net it would have been a spectacular finish.”
