Former Kerry footballer Tomás Ó Sé believes that Derry's game against Dublin isn't a championship-defining game but insists that Mickey Harte's troops must compete with Dublin at least on Sunday.
Dublin and Derry meet in the Division 1 Allianz League final this Sunday at 4 pm, and it is Dublin that is being held up as the team to beat once again. However, pundits like Michael Murphy believe that Derry has a great chance to win the Sam Maguire in 2024.
Sunday's game in Croke Park will tell a lot about the two teams, and it's sure to enhance or lessen people's belief that Harte's side can win it outright.
Ó Sé does not believe it will do either this Sunday and holds the idea that if Derry competes, then it will be a lot more than a one-off win.
"I don't think their championship fails on Sunday because they don't win," he said.
"But I do think that they have to come away from Dublin, saying, "Yeah, we're up there; we're on a par with them and we're not going to be blasted out of the water.'"
Con O'Callaghan of Dublin is in action against Conor McCluskey of Derry during the Allianz Football League Division 2 Final match between Dublin and Derry at Croke Park in Dublin. (Photo By Sam Barnes/Sportsfile via Getty Images)The Kerry native also believes that Harte has played a blinder this year.
"They had an unbelievable chance against Kerry [in last year's semi-final]. Kerry did so well to come out of that with a win last year, and Kerry will look back at that and say they're not far away.
"You have two teams contesting the Division 2 final who will be aiming to win Ulster, but I think Derry and Mickey Harte have played it brilliantly this year.
"He has introduced players, and I think he has questioned that if they're going to go all the way, they're probably going to have to have more strength in depth."
The game begins at 4pm on Sunday and can be seen on TG4
