Glen's experience, big-game players and dynamic defence is likely to swing the All-Ireland club football final against St Brigid’s in their favour, according to Austin O'Malley and Kyle Coney.
Former Mayo star O’Malley and Tyrone forward Coney believe the Derry club will edge out the Roscommon champions after both teams came through their respective semi-finals over the weekend.
Brigid's advanced to a third All-Ireland decider after overcoming Castlehaven 1-11 to 0-10 at Thurles, while in a game played in heavy fog in Newry, Glen exacted some degree of revenge on Kilmacud Crokes for last year’s final defeat by edging out a thrilling encounter.
The sides will lock horns later this month at Croke Park, and speaking on RTÉ's Game On, both GAA analysts admitted it is hard to look past a Glen side in search of going one step further than last year and landing a maiden All-Ireland title.
"Probably on the balance of it, you’d fancy Glen. They have a bit more experience, a few more big-game players," O’Malley said.
"Having said that I was really impressed with Brigid’s with the first half and how they opened up Castlehaven. Ben O’Carroll is in great form, Bobby Nugent clipped in with a few scores, they are a very athletic team and easy on the eye.
"It’s that I just think Glen are so battle-hardened and found answers all the way this year.
"Brigid’s will cause them problems, but I expect Glen to come through."
Coney, who was in Páirc Esler for a game played in challenging conditions given the poor visibility, believes that the counter-attacking style implemented by manager Malachy O’Rourke, starting with their dynamic defenders, is key to their winning run.
"It’s the second game in a row that the defenders have outscored the forwards. Alex Doherty came on and scored a point, it’s the spread of scorers they get," Coney said.
"Brigid’s had seven different scorers themselves, but defenders Michael Warnock (0-01), Eunan Mulholland and Cathal Mulholland had superb games for Glen.
"Once Glen turn the ball over in defence, there is nothing else in mind only everyone going forward. It’s turn and on your bike. I think that will cause Brigid’s all kind of problems.
"Glen just might come out the right side of this one."
