Sylvester Maguire: Don't use Shaun Patton as a sweeper-keeper

Donegal are at their best when their forwards really express themselves and play with real dash and courage and should not be playing Shaun Patton as a sweeper-keeper.

Those are the firm views of Donegal 1992 star Sylvester Maguire as Monaghan come calling to Ballybofey very hungry for points after a League campaign where they have garnered a paltry two points from four games.

In contrast, Donegal are in a much healthier position with five points and a win or even a draw might ensure their safety in Fortress Ballybofey.

“It is a very important game for Monaghan and also for Donegal,” Maguire said. “A loss would put Monaghan right into the mess and a win for Donegal would leave us safe.

“It could be a very open game as there is no point in Monaghan going out defensively as they have to win so they will have to attack and that will give Donegal a chance to attack too so we could have a real cracker”.

He added: “I think even a point would leave Donegal safe, but it is important that Donegal puts its best foot forward. And that was certainly in evidence in a great second half against Tyrone.

“When Oisin Gallen came on it seemed to spark Conor O’Donnell as well and both of them threw off the shackles and started to play football like natural footballers. When Gallen got the ball, he dropped the shoulder, went down the middle and stuck it over the bar.

“When we stopped worrying about our system and started to play football, we were by far the better team against Tyrone.”
Tyrone hit nine wides in the second half as Donegal ran out winners on a 2-10 to 0-12 scoreline two weeks ago, but Maguire does not read too much into it.

“At this time of the year you are nearly playing championship football almost in winter,” he added. “The flight of the ball, body temperature and the wind can play havoc and players all over are only getting used to it”.

“Our record in Ballybofey is exceptional, and young Oisin Gallen knows every blade of grass in MacCumhaill Park.
When asked about Rory Beggan’s concession of two goals as a result of his outfield sorties, against Kerry, Maguire quipped: “Well, when I was playing, if a goalie came outside the small square everyone would have had a heartache including the goalkeeper.

“It is the new game, but I think it is very unfair on Shaun Patton. Shaun is a great keeper, and his kick outs are so important, but he was a soccer keeper and never played outfield in Gaelic.

“He is at times being asked to play as a sweeper in inter-county Gaelic football having never played outfield in club football. It is different for Beggan, and Niall Morgan as both of them play outfield for their clubs, so they are quite comfortable coming out.

“I think this is a system that a lot of counties seem to like and has its merits, but I think it will come and go and if enough balls are dropped over the top of the keepers, then they might stay nearer home”.