By Niall McCoy

FORMER Monaghan star Bernie Murray believes that the leadership qualities constantly displayed by the Oriel squad over the last decade gives them more than a fighting chance of collecting a third Ulster title in nine years.

Seamus McEnaney’s side heads to Croke Park to face Tyrone for the right to lift the Anglo Celt Cup next weekend, and victory would secure one of the most successful periods in the county’s history.

The side are at this juncture courtesy of a thrilling 4-17 to 2-21 win over Armagh in Saturday’s Ulster semi-final, and Scotstown man Murray said that with players like Conor McManus on the field, there was always a confidence that they could rescue the situation even when the Orchard county went two points ahead late on.

“You look at what at he (McManus) has achieved. He is playing 15 seasons now but particularly from 2013, when Malachy (O’Rourke) came in and when they moved up to Division One a few seasons later, his numbers have been phenomenal.

“He steps up. We were thinking when Armagh moved ahead that there were still seven or eight minutes left plus injury time, if we can get up the field and buy a free them Jack (McCarron), if it was on the right side, or Conor would nail it. If it was further out, Rory would have a good shot at it.

“Monaghan fans were thinking if we can get to extra-time we can maybe steal it, but if we don’t get momentum here we could lose by six or seven because Armagh could break down the field and get another goal.

“Those players have been around the block a lot. Kieran Hughes came on the field, Colin Walshe too. They are very experienced players.

“They worked it, worked it, worked and who else would you want on the burst than Conor?

“He was fouled for the three frees he converted, the one to bring it back to one point, the one to draw it and the one to put us one up.”

Murray also feels that the fact that Monaghan will be written off by most ahead of the game with the Red Hands will suit the camp perfectly.

“With this group of players it’s a brilliant game for them,” he said.

“In 2018 they were narrowly beaten in the All-Ireland semi-final and there was a bit of controversy at the end with injury time.

“They’re getting back to a final in Croke Park, a cup will be presented, and the idea of us winning another trophy there is huge.

“The players have done well against Tyrone in league games over the last seven or eight years but maybe not so well in the championship.

“I expect the players to really, really step up here.”