Again just ignoring the Armagh Ulster finals, why? Do you not think those were big games and he played well in them? And they're very recent examples of how he can perform against the bigger teams. You're not even acknowledging that how we attack as a team does not rely on people beating their man one-on-one, can you address any of that?

There's no doubt I wish he would contribute more scores up the pitch, it's been a criticism of him practically since that first year he burst on the scene. And obviously he's had bad days and disappointing days when we've needed him to stand up, but I think a lot of our big names have done that especially the years in between Jim's two stints, and just find it strange you are singling him out for this. You could take your same point and apply it to quite a lot of players in the squad in my view, not everyone is Michael Murphy or Paddy McBrearty (both of whom have also gone missing or let us down on a big day on occasion).

Now if you're saying you believe we need to change how we play generally to win Sam and Ryan doesn't fit in that style, that's a different argument, and I would say that Shane O'Donnell wouldn't fit that style either for example if you're talking about a running, one-on-one type game.

I'm a ST holder and the whole reason I mentioned him in the initial post was because of how impressed I've been with him so far this year. Can hardly say that sitting at home. He was excellent when we turned things around against Galway, and excellent at the Athletic Grounds as well I thought. Both dirty days with a lot of pressure put on from Armagh and Galway. Moore and Roarty are different players with totally different roles. The reason I mentioned Mogan and EBG is because they are leaders in the back line like Ryan. Roarty and Moore for all their talent are just young cubs still.

I just think you're underestimating how important he is to the whole way we set up, both attacking and defending, and it's not as easily replaced as you're making it out to be in my view. Call that sentimental if you like, though you mention people being sensitive about club men and obviously I'm nowhere near Kilcar, so not sure what reason you'll have for me being sentimental. Is it so hard to believe I just think Ryan is one of our most important players and laying out the reasons I think that?

You say he's good if you give him time and space, but not when he's under pressure or tagged, well I'll give you a scenario - the game is drawn at 67 minutes and we get a short kickout away to Brendan McCole over on the left hand side near the 21, but there is a significant high press on from Kerry or Galway or whoever. Who do you want to come to McCole and demand that ball, under pressure, in that situation? Who would you trust to find the pass to get us away when the game is in the melting pot? Ryan would be one of the first names on my list when the squeeze is on to get the ball and reliably get us up the pitch. And he doesn't need to burn someone with pace to do that, that's my point.

CCFabu (Donegal) - Posts: 307 - 05/03/2026 18:02:27    2660189