Shields: Brogan will take a lot of minding
August 18, 2010
Cork's Michael Shields moves in on Kerry's Declan O'Sullivan
Brogan has been in unstoppable form for Dublin this summer and is in pole position for the Player of the Year award after racking up 2-35 in six games to date.
"If you looked at the Armagh game there, Bernard kicked off both his left and his right," former Aussie Rules player Shields said.
"The next game he kicked mostly off his right. So it just shows he can kick with both feet and trying to mark a fella like that is hard. You might shadow him onto one foot and then, bang, he sticks it over with the other. He's their main man."
Shields has also been impressed by the Dubs' new full forward Eoghan O'Gara who has scored three goals in his last two games, including that vital late strike in the quarter-final win over Tyrone.
"O'Gara then throws caution to the wind. He puts his head where other fellas wouldn't put their foot. You've got to compliment him. He's been a revelation so far," the St. Finbarr's man continued.
Shields feels Cork are equipped to cope without Graham Canty if he is ruled out through injury, adding that the availability of dual star Eoin Cadogan is a bonus.
"Throughout this year when Graham was out for the league, I think Conor (Counihan) spoke to us and he made a good point. He said 'Graham's not going to be around forever.' A few of us are young and we really just need to step up to the plate now and put down a marker ourselves. The likes of Jamie O'Sullivan and Eoin Cotter have done that. They have made a difference."
"The thing about Eoin (Cadogan) is that he's a fierce athlete. The thing he brings is championship experience. It's a big plus."
With Kerry and Tyrone out of the All-Ireland race, Shields doesn't believe Cork are now the favourites to lift Sam.
"I wouldn't read any papers or listen to any of the media. I wouldn't listen to anyone outside our circle. Everyone is going to have an agenda.
"They're always going to back their team. Being honest, I did think Kerry would beat Down. But look, Down put in a fantastic performance and fully deserved their win. If you look at the four teams still in it, they're all along similar lines.
"We don't have an All-Ireland medal and neither does any other team. It's wide open for all teams and every team will think they have a chance." Tweet
