It was impossible not be impressed by Armagh’s surprise win over Dublin at last Saturday night and Tyrone boss Brian Dooher had nothing but praise for the Orchard County ahead of Sunday’s clash in the Athletic Grounds.
Dooher had plenty of battles with Armagh manager Kieran McGeeney during a glittering inter-county career. The Armagh-Tyrone rivalry may have waned slightly in recent times, but a new era could be on the horizon.
Tyrone may be the current Ulster and All-Ireland champions, but plenty of teams will feel they are within striking distance of the Red Hands.
Following their stunning five-point victory over Dessie Farrell’s Dublin at the weekend, Armagh will have plenty of reasons to feel confident when lining out against their neighbours on Sunday afternoon.
“They are the standout team this year and they had a good McKenna Cup,” said Dooher.
“That performance has been coming and Armagh and they put it together and showed what they are about.
“We’re under no illusions, we have to raise our game a few notches to be able to compete with Armagh.
“They are exceptional. I don’t think anyone can argue with that. I think they’re phenomenal. They just demolished Dublin on all fronts, from one to 15.
“Going forward the chances, the scores they created. . . some great football to watch.”
He added: “We are probably no different from any other team. You go out to win every game and we are not looking any further ahead.
“The Ulster Championship is far from my mind now. It is the National League and it’s Armagh next weekend.
“It’s competitive and you want to test yourself against the best and they (Armagh) are up there with the best at the minute.”
Indeed, Armagh were the only team to record a win in Division One in the opening weekend of action.
Donegal and Mayo ended all square in Markievicz Park while Kerry had to settle for a point against Kildare in Newbridge.
Tyrone and Monaghan, meanwhile, also shared the spoils in Omagh with both sides squandering late chances to claim both points.
Tyrone were able to field the majority of their All-Ireland side from last season with Mattie Donnelly also introduced as a second half substitute.
Yet, Ronan McNamee and Conor McKenna didn’t make the match-day squad and Dooher revealed that neither will feature against Armagh this weekend.
"They won't be involved for the Armagh match," stated Tyrone’s joint-manager.
"They are working away, they are on a programme to come back and play but they are going in the right direction which is the good thing and whenever they are ready, they will be introduced.
"I suppose we are a wee bit behind the curve in terms of a preparation and fitness point of view. That game will stand to them going forward.
"I think we stood up well at the end, with the amount of tackles and turnovers, and you have to give all the credit to the players."
