Peter Canavan pinpoints why Monaghan are struggling after ‘electric’ start to league

"Without a doubt he’s a massive loss."

Tyrone legend Peter Canavan is surprised to see Monaghan struggling after their "electric" start to the National League, but has pinpointed the reason behind it.

Monaghan bolted from the pack in the opening round of the Allianz National League by beating Dublin in Croke Park, and in emphatic fashion, with Stephen O'Hanlon lighting up the stadium.

However since then they have suffered defeat after defeat, and last week's loss to Roscommon, another team fighting relegation, would have been really disappointing for Vinny Corey and his players.

"They looked electric that night down in Croke Park," Canavan told RTÉ.

"Since that they’ve gone off the boil surprisingly. They have a lot of younger players playing, maybe it’s not that surprising, but the fact that they played so well against Dublin, Vinny would have been wanting his troops to carry on in that vein of form.

"But the thing about Monaghan, you daren’t write them off.

"I think they will be bitterly disappointed, not the fact that they just lost against Roscommon last week, they were well and truly beaten. It was 1-16 to seven points, that was a hammering.

"That’s very unlike Monaghan in the National League. No matter who they play against they’re always competitive.

"I’d be amazed if there’s not a sting in the tail here from them."

Peter Canavan pinpoints why Monaghan are struggling after 'electric' start to league.

The Farney are still missing key players like Conor McCarthy who suffered an injury in the McKenna Cup and Conor McManus who is normally brought in at the latter stages of the league given is age profile, but Canavan is convinced that it's the absence of Rory Beggan that is at the heart of their troubles.

Beggan is competing in the NFL international combine in Indianapolis this week, but his leadership qualities, accuracy with kick outs, free kicks, and ability to drive forward are all weapons that the Ulster side are really missing.

"His presence at the back is reassuring in itself and they’ve conceded a few from high balls in.

"Without a doubt he’s a massive loss both in attack and in defence."

Related links:

• The family ties between the Tyrone and Derry teams go much deeper than just Mickey Harte
• “I hope that he is wrong” – Peter Canavan on difficulty ‘accepting’ Mickey Harte as Derry manager
• Mickey Harte gamble with Glen players pays off against Kerry, but just about