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McEntee: Monaghan clash is Armagh's chance to prove they belong with the big boys

Former Armagh player and current Clontibret manager John McEntee feels the Orchardmen's Ulster Championship credentials will be put to the test by Monaghan in Newry on Saturday Picture: Philip Walsh.
Former Armagh player and current Clontibret manager John McEntee feels the Orchardmen's Ulster Championship credentials will be put to the test by Monaghan in Newry on Saturday Picture: Philip Walsh. Former Armagh player and current Clontibret manager John McEntee feels the Orchardmen's Ulster Championship credentials will be put to the test by Monaghan in Newry on Saturday Picture: Philip Walsh.

FORMER Armagh star John McEntee has said that the Orchard county’s Ulster semi-final with Monaghan on Saturday is the perfect opportunity to prove that they can now be considered one of the top teams in the province.

Kieran McGeeney’s side make the short trip to Newry knowing that victory would catapult them to their first Ulster final since 2008, while defeat would lead to suggestions re-emerging that they are unable to translate League form into the Championship arena.

McEntee has a particular interest in the fixture as he is now in his fourth season with Monaghan club Clontibret, while he also has former Armagh team-mate Martin O’Rourke alongside him in his coaching team this year.

The Crossmaglen legend believes that now is the time for Armagh to show their true worth.

“I suppose the fact that they stayed in the first division indicates that they’re fit to compete,” he said.

“They have very good footballers and this year more than any other year they seem to have a stronger defensive system. It works a bit better and they play with more of a counter-attacking style.

“You’re getting to see a team with a pattern of play and now you know what to look out for. They’re being coached and they’re taking on the coaching points that they have been given.

“Are they ready to win Ulster titles? This is the week that will determine that. If they can get through Monaghan, and it doesn’t have to be convincing, then we can say yes, we are at the stage where we are competitive.

“The other side the draw has been the tough side of the draw so this is the first tough match that either side has encountered. You need to meet those challenges head on and win those if you have any aspirations of beating the top two, which is Donegal and Tyrone.”

Armagh are aiming for their second win over Séamus McEnaney’s side this year having opened up their Division One North campaign with a 1-16 to 1-12 win at Brewster Park. While McEntee understands why results like that have led to increased hype in this Orchard outfit, he is not placing too much stock in it.

“Armagh supporters have big expectations having secured a place in Division One for next year again. They also know that it’s very important to get a run in the Championship. A lot of focus is on the Championship.

“People maybe have expectations on the back of beating Monaghan in the League, but I wouldn’t read too much into that. Both teams might have wanted to win but it wasn’t critical and therefore I don’t think we saw the true colours of either team.

“From subsequent League matches we saw both teams performing very well against difficult opposition. No doubt both will be in a better place coming into this game.

“For me it’s a 50-50 game and I couldn’t call it. It’s whoever plays well on the day and gets that extra wee yard.

“Both teams would be criticised for having players who can perform well in the League but who disappoint in the Championship so a lot of it will come down to the better preparation, how well they are actually tuned into playing in the white heat of Ulster Championship football. It is very competitive and it takes the best of you to rise above the others.

“It’s just so difficult to know. Both teams have outstanding footballers and both teams have a lot of decent footballers. Decent won’t cut the mustard in Ulster, you have to be very good.”

Many of McEntee’s club and county successes contained fixtures where they played below par but somehow scraped through. It’s a quality he sees clearly with Donegal presently, and he feels it’s one Armagh and Monaghan need to develop if they are to return to the top.

“We saw at the weekend when Donegal played average and Derry played very well, Derry should have beaten them. Donegal are going through a difficult stage at the minute and don’t seem to be playing as smoothly as they have been, but they’re still winning.

“Ulster is wide open and this is an important match, but if either side thinks beyond it then they’re maybe not in the right mental place. This is one match and the only one you can focus on.”