Former Kerry midfielder Micheál Quirke described yesterday’s performance from the Kingdom as “very rusty” and felt opponents Tyrone were more clinical in front of goal.

The Ulster champions tore up the script with a 3-14 to 0-22 win at Croke Park to send Peter Keane’s men packing and book a novel All-Ireland SFC final date with Mayo on September 11.

Speaking to Off The Ball afterwards, Quirke said he was impressed by the Red Hands’ work rate when they didn't have the ball over the some 100 minutes that were played at headquarters.

“Tyrone get their energy form forcing them (Kerry) into mistakes and they forced so many in contact, which was unusual for Kerry, knowing that Tyrone want you to go into contact,” said the four-time All-Ireland winner.

“They want to hit you and they want to take the ball off you. Their tacking was very good and the referee let both sides play that extra little bit and probably a little bit over the line at times, but you have to play the referee and play the rules as much as anything else.

“I just thought that tackling and that five-week lay-off for Kerry, they had a very rusty performance, too many turnovers and then Tyrone were very good on other side and they took their chances when they presented themselves.”

He added: “In general, both sides had enough chances to win the game and Tyrone were the ones that ultimately did it.”

🗣️ 'Tyrone forced so many mistakes in contact.'

🗣️ 'The referee let both teams play a little bit over the line at times.'

Mike Quirke chatted to OTB's Aisling O'Reilly from Croke Park | #KERvTYR

FULL VIDEO ➡️ https://t.co/y4nF9HNVGt pic.twitter.com/FEvG3URzBA

— Off The Ball (@offtheball) August 29, 2021

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