Monaghan All-Star goalkeeper Rory Beggan feels Louth’s defensive performance will be a key factor if they are to get over the line against Mayo in tomorrow evening.

An injured Beggan had to watch from the sidelines as 14-man Louth knocked Monaghan out of the championship a fortnight ago to reach the Wee County’s first All-Ireland senior football championship semi-final since 1957.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI ahead of this weekend’s semi-finals at Croke Park, Beggan says that the strength of Gavin Devlin’s side’s defence can tip the scales in their favour.

"Getting a sideline view of them the last day, they are so well set up defensively and that will cause problems for Mayo in terms of getting Kobe McDonald into the game," said the Scotstown clubman.

"I think they will have [Donal] McKenny on [Ryan] O'Donoghue which is a good match-up, but they are so well set up and playing the last day with 14 men and keeping us out to win the game shows they have the fitness levels to compete for the full 70.

"I could be wrong and it turns into the O'Donoghue and Kobe show, but the Louth defence and their size around the middle of the field [could be the difference].

"Mayo like to go long on the kick-outs and Louth can win that midfield battle and with more of the ball, they have the forwards to punish them, but it is their defence will help them get over the line."

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