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Oisin McConville: 'Tipperary are a great draw for Armagh'

Oisin McConville

Oisin McConville

By John Harrington

Armagh legend Oisin McConville is confident the Orchard County will defeat Tipperary in Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC Round 3B Qualifier at Semple Stadium.

He believes that Kieran McGeeney’s team will have ‘a fire in their belly’ to beat the Premier County because losing to them in the final round of the Allianz Football League this year denied them promotion from Division Three.

“I think we got a great draw because I was at the last League game and Armagh were much the better team against Tipperary,” says McConville.

“Quinlivan got a hat-trick and put paid to us, our promotion hopes, everything.

“But Armagh dominated that game and I think they'll have a bit of a fire in their belly for that one.

“I think the good thing about Armagh is, let's face it, since the Down game it's been baby-steps. And I think now, genuinely, there's bound to be a big performance in that team.

“I know I got told off by Armagh supporters for talking them up before the Down game because I genuinely think there's something in this team and somewhere along the line they have to produce it.

“I don't think we'll win the All-Ireland or anything like that, but I think we can genuinely look towards the quarter-final and hope that we can take a big scalp at some stage.”

Michael Quinlivan netted an injury time goal against Armagh to earn promotion for Tipperary.

Michael Quinlivan netted an injury time goal against Armagh to earn promotion for Tipperary.

Michael Quinlivan was the match-winner for Tipperary in that League match earlier this year, scoring a hat-trick of goals including a last-gasp winner.

McConville knows a thing or two about forward-play and rates Quinlivan as one of the best in the country.

“I think he had six or seven touches that day and I think he finished with 3-1. He has everything, the lad has everything.

“As I said, it's bad timing that he's coming back to fitness because he actually looked okay when he came on the last day.

“He's one of the best around, I think. He's just got it all. He's a complete modern-day footballer.

“It's a pity in a way that Tipperary don't have a stronger midfield and that he's being asked to fill that role. It's almost a (Michael) Murphy-type situation.

“He has everything. He's quality. I'd definitely rate him in the top four or five forwards in the country.”

Armagh have a potential match-winner of their own in the shape of Jamie Clarke.

Jamie Clarke

Jamie Clarke

He was black-carded in the very first minute in last weekend’s win over Westmeath, but McConville believes he’s primed for a big performance on Saturday.

“He should get a little bit more room this weekend and we'll see the best of him. He's going in the right direction.

“He's just like every lad, he can't come back from his travels and just turn it on like a switch. He needs some time.

“When you're playing against Ulster teams, they're not going to leave you alone, they're not going to give you room. Down completely crowded him out that day.

“Even Fermanagh the last day, they were able to get a hand on him because they had enough players behind the ball. That means that you have to be match sharp. I see him getting there every game.

“I see him getting there every game in the league. He could maybe have benefited from a game but he doesn't have that now.

“He'll feel frustrated and will feel he's let himself down. Expect a big performance from him at the weekend.”