John Maughan would like Mayo to place a bit more emphasis on defence.

The Connacht champions have shown lots of attacking flair so far in the league, scoring 10-77 in five outings, but they have also left the gate open at the back, conceding a massive 10-70.

Former manager Maughan is hoping for a more cautious prudent against the All-Ireland champions tomorrow night at Croke Park:

"In the open expanse of Croke Park and a Dublin team that loves playing against us, we could get blown away. That's the most worrying thing," he says in The Irish Independent. "Our half-back line has been attacking brilliantly, but at the same time you have to mind the house.

"We were nine points ahead against Westmeath and attacking with flair, but Kevin Keane, Brendan Harrison and Ger Cafferkey were left at home on their own.

"Everyone was going forward and goals and points were shipped. I think they went forward as a unit far too much and they could have steadied the ship a little bit that day. And they shipped 2-5 in the last 15 minutes against Cork the last day. I'm sure James will want to steady the ship a little bit."

But, regardless of what happens on Saturday night, Maughan is confident that Mayo are in good shape going forward:

"We have closed the gap on Dublin. But it won't be a crisis if we don't win. I don't think it will do any psychological damage. We're still in a good place. Our form in the last couple of games suggests that things are coming right again." Tweet

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