Bradley: Murphy's role out the field played into Derry hands

Derry legend Paddy Bradley says he is surprised that Donegal didn't place Michael Murphy on the edge of the square in an attempt to quieten Brendan Rogers in their Ulster final defeat to the Oak Leaf county.

Rogers scored 0-3 from play yesterday despite operating deep in the Derry defence.

Current county Under-20 football manager Bradley says he felt that Donegal would look to snuff out Rodger’s influence from play and was surprised when they didn't.

"It’s a long time coming first of all," he said of the county’s 24-year Ulster title famine.

"I thought Derry were brilliant even if they didn’t reach the heights they did against Tyrone or Monaghan, but yesterday was all about getting the job done.

"Brendan Rogers was man of the match and he was excellent. I thought Donegal would have put him on the backfoot and throw Michael Murphy in on the edge of the square and then send long ball in.

"They didn’t do that. Brendan then was dominant and got three points from play.

"Donegal are asking too much of Michael Murphy... I prefer to see him at the top of the square" says Colm Cooper.#RTEgaa pic.twitter.com/wl4cJhte4T

"And he was the platform for most of Derry’s attacks. He was exceptional."

Bradley also paid tribute to another top defender.

"Chrissy McKeigue revived his battle with Paddy McBrearty and he came out well on top. When you shut down McBrearty and Murphy it goes a long way to beating Donegal, but I thought our pace, athleticism, fitness and hunger were exceptional.

"Donegal and Derry both had lads cramping, but I thought Derry did most of the running in trying to win the game near the end. I thought Donegal were happy to take it to penalties."

Bradley felt there were heroes everywhere.

"Conor Glass got the winning score. Whilst