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Can roaming Niall Morgan transfer club role to Tyrone?

Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan kicks a point against Galway last weekend
Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan kicks a point against Galway last weekend

Tyrone would be a more potent threat if Niall Morgan could transfer more of his club attacking instincts at inter-county level, according to former Fermanagh player Ryan McCluskey.

The Edendork man is widely considered one of the best goalkeepers in the business with his shot-stopping ability, pinpoint kickouts and regular forays upfield as an extra attacker.

Indeed the 32-year-old was one of the early adopters of contesting opposition kick-outs.

Last Sunday's narrow defeat to Galway saw the 2021 All-Ireland winner prominent at either end, leaping high above his crossbar to claim a Galway shot that looked destined for a point, while he also made some deep runs into the forward line as a support runner.

Late in the first half, without breaking stride, Morgan unleashed a shot, but fortunately from a Galway perspective, his effort dipped just over rather than under the bar.

For all that however, McCluskey, who keeps a close on the club scene in his neighbouring county, feels Morgan – notwithstanding he plays with 14 on his back for Edendork – could offer more for the Red Hand offensively.

"Niall Morgan doesn’t do enough for me," he told the RTÉ GAA podcast. "He plays outfield for his club at full-forward and is an exceptional player out the field.

"I don’t think he creates enough. He goes forward, but at times he could do a lot more, especially when you look at some of the best modern keepers that attack.

"He should be creating more one-on-ones, he should be taking players on. He does this for his club. He should be backed to do it more for the county."

Tyrone, with one win from three in Division 1, host on a Mayo side on Saturday coming off the back of a narrow defeat to Kerry last time out.

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