By Cian O'Connell

Stephen Rochford is well and truly used to the dealing with criticism drill by now, but the Mayo team and management will plough on defiantly.

Until Sam Maguire is landed Mayo will be 'seen as an easy target' according to Rochford, who was speaking at a press event ahead of the June 11 Connacht SFC Semi-Final against Galway.

"Criticism of Mayo players has been going around since I was able to start reading national papers through the 90s," Rochford says.

Rochford commented about Aidan O'Shea, who is returning to full fitness following a groin injury with Rochford expecting him to be available for next month's clash at Pearse Stadium.

"Aidan (O'Shea) is unfortunately getting spotlight at the moment. It’s really unfortunate that one of our top players is being picked out. But Aidan is a big guy, his attention to keep his focus on his football and the squad aren’t being distracted by that and that is what’s important to us.

"Aidan has been unfortunate in that his game time hasn’t been as much as he would like it or us. But Aidan’s demeanour and body language is fine at the moment.

"When you haven't got your hands on the Holy Grail you're seen as an easy target.

"Focusing on what people at laptops and columnists have to say about us won’t save a point and won’t score a point for us in two and a half weeks."

Rochford is expecting an interesting 'battle' in Salthill. "I am very impressed with Galway," Rochford admits. "They have shown that steady progression over the last two or three years.

"Their Under 21s had a fine run in the Under 21 Championship, their minors put on quite a display here a number of weeks ago. The seniors now are FBD champions, Division 2 champions, Connacht champions, that cabinet is getting fairly packed.

"We know that it’s going to be quite a battle going up into their back garden, but one that we are quietly looking forward to."