By Niall Gartland

MONAGHAN boss Gabriel Bannigan praised the contribution of super sub Jack McCarron following their Division Two final win over Roscommon at Croke Park last Saturday.

The experienced forward racked up 1-2 in the final quarter as Monaghan pushed for home against the Rossies, and Bannigan explained his decision to unleash McCarron from the bench.

“We went with a team to start the game and we said that we wanted Jack McCarron on the pitch for the business end and that’s what we did.

“Everybody wants to start, every player wants to be in the 26 but what we are trying to mould within the group is a first 15 that’s hard to get into and a first 26 that’s hard to get into as well.”

“Jack came off the bench in Navan as well, against Meath, and he made a big contribution that day also.”

Roscommon are in action this Saturday in Ruislip against London in the Connacht Senior Championship quarter-final, so arguably they weren’t as fussed about the Division Two prize as Monaghan, whose championship campaign commences on April 20 against the winners of Derry or Donegal.

Bannigan said: “Without a doubt the cards fell right for us in that regard. Whatever about it being a help, we certainly didn’t have any distraction.

“We were able to come here and let the lads go for it. Listen, there is no doubt I wouldn’t want to be going out and playing championship football next weekend.”