Offaly manager John Maughan believes that there are players in the county who would easily get on the Mayo team.
Maughan, who also managed Clare, Fermanagh and Roscommon, had two spells as Mayo manager, leading them to All-Ireland finals in 1996, 1997 and 2004.
He was confirmed as new Offaly manager in September ending a period of turmoil for the county's footballers which saw Stephen Wallace leave mid-season and Paul Rouse take over on a temporary basis to see out the championship.
Maughan is eager for his Offaly panel to be aware of the county's proud football history. For a start, he wants them all to watch recent RTÉ documentary, 'Players Of The Faithful', which told the story of their famous 1982 All-Ireland victory over Kerry.
"I was quite keen for all of the Offaly players see it," Maughan told RTÉ.
There's something that's in a culture and the DNA of particular jurisdictions and in Offaly they have a great history of spirit, heart, determination and a never-say-die attitude
That's always there. I don't think I'll ever challenge an Offaly footballer in that regard. It's just a question of getting some belief into those players.
There's players here that I've seen that would walk on to the Mayo team for argument's sake. All they need is a little bit of confidence and belief, get a few victories and you'd hope things would turn.
Photo by Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile
