Full forward is the place to play Rian O’Neill says Tyrone legend Stephen O’Neill ahead of this weekend’s derby dual in Omagh.
The 2005 Player of the Year compared O’Neill to former Donegal star Michael Murphy when assessing his best position.
O’Neill, who scored 0-4 against Westmeath, can play in a variety of positions for Armagh. But Tyrone’s three-time All-Ireland winner believes he should be on the edge of the square.
“I like to see Rian O’Neill maybe stay a wee bit deeper inside,” said three-time All-Star Stephen O’Neill.
“I feel like he’s a real threat in there and it would be good to see him maybe being used more in there.
“He reminds me a wee bit of Michael Murphy where he’s such a good player and you’re looking him to play all different positions.
“I feel when you have somebody that’s big, strong, powerful and quick, it would be nice to see him in closer to goal. But they can try that maybe after next week,” laughed O’Neill.
Tyrone attack
Tyrone have their own quality in attack that will cause Armagh plenty of headaches this weekend.
Cathal McShane looks set to miss out through injury, but O’Neill points to the Canavan brothers, Darragh and Ruairi, along with Darren McCurry as potential match winners.
“You hear stories about how good they are (the Canavan’s) and Darragh Canavan has really came into his own this year.
“He’s been on of our standout players. I think his vision is second to none and his range of passing is top class.
“To have a player like that, and then his younger brother Ruairi coming through, he’s just a real sharpshooter, it bodes well for us.
“Darren McCurry is back to his best as well,” remarked O’Neill, renowned as one of the best forward in Ireland during his playing days.
“He looks so sharp and worked so hard the last day. Tyrone have options and it should be a good game.”
