Cork legend Dinny Allen says injuries, and not high mileage, was to blame for last Sunday's shock All-Ireland quarter-final defeat to Mayo.

With key forwards Daniel Goulding, Ciaran Sheehan and Colm O'Neill all sidelined through injury, the Rebels could only manage one point in the second half as they surrendered their All-Ireland crown in unexpected circumstances.

"Everyone wants to see something different in why Cork lost," the 1989 All-Ireland winning captain said in the Irish Examiner.

"But when it comes down to it, the injuries were probably the main reason. For the past couple of years people have been saying there is a load of talent there but the likes of Daniel Goulding and Ciaran Sheehan don't grow on trees, there's talent but these lads are the best of the talent.

"You can't just put your hand into the hat and pull out someone new every time. I know Cork were confident going in, but it does make a difference. As well, Mayo had been written off by everybody, but they were well-prepared, so they were lurking in the shadows and that was dangerous for Cork."

Allen also believes scoring a goal so early may have been a disadvantage to the Rebels.

"I think when a team gets an early goal, like Cork did with the penalty, it can set a worrying trend," he continued.

"Obviously you're never going to refuse a goal, but I've seen it myself at matches, and even played in those situations, when your first score is a goal the team relaxes and then they're not able to shake themselves out of that when they need to." Tweet

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