Michael Murphy believes that Armagh’s new defensive style won’t win All-Irelands

"Armagh's best opportunity of winning games is to play on the front foot."

Michael Murphy is not convinced by Armagh's new defensive set up and believes that they need to go back to their more natural attacking style to compete for All-Irelands.

The former Donegal captain has highlighted the orchard county's intent to focus more on their defence this year, rather than their kicking game that proved so successful last season.

Armagh lost on penalties to Galway in the quarter final stages, so were only a kick of a ball away from being in the semi-finals really.

It does make sense that their defence needs shored up, but the way in which they had abandoned their attacking prowess during the league, has seemingly left them weaker.

Writing in his column for the BBC, the former full forward doesn't think that this change in style suits Kieran McGeeney's side.

"I don't care what anyone in the Armagh camp has been saying, as far as I'm concerned there's no doubt that the Orchard men have been set up in a more defensive way this year although they returned to a more attacking brand of football in the first half against Cavan at the weekend, with the in-form Conor Turbitt and Andrew Murnin kept up the pitch.

"And with Rian O'Neill and Aidan Nugent now available again, they have got to get back to their more positive attacking mindset of last year.

"I don't believe Armagh can rely on their defensive ability to keep teams at bay for them to win Ulster - let alone All-Ireland titles.

"Armagh's best opportunity of winning games is to play on the front foot and outscore the opposition.

"Don't get me wrong, you don't forget your defensive duties but last year's back-door showings vs Tyrone, Donegal and Galway showed they have the capacity to hurt teams when they play with that all-out attacking mindset."

Armagh play Down in the ulster championship semi-final tomorrow evening at 4.00pm.

Related links:

• Jamie Clarke on the rise of Rian O'Neill and his best position on the pitch
• Aimee Mackin turns on the style with nine minute hat-trick as Armagh blow Laois away
• Rian O'Neill looks set to miss Armagh’s next game but it could be a blessing in disguise