Derry manager Brian McIver.
Derry go into this afternoon’s Allianz National Football League Division One clash with Kildare knowing a win will almost certainly secure a semi-final spot.
But Oak Leaf boss Brian McIver is not taking the challenge lightly despite Kildare being at the opposite end of the table.
Kildare are staring relegation in the face and defeat in Celtic Park this afternoon will surely seal their fate.
However, McIver is well aware of the threat a team fighting for survival can pose.
He said: “Kildare have lost to Tyrone and Kerry just recently and they will come to us feeling they have ground to make up.
“That will make them a dangerous animal and we have to be on our guard. Everyone must remain on their toes.”
If Kildare are beaten and if Kerry defeat Westmeath in Mullingar, the Lilywhites will be relegated along with the Lake County.
Even if they defeat Derry, a Kerry win would leave their fortunes out of their hands going into the final round of fixtures on Sunday next.
Derry are the strong favourites to take maximum points from today’s clash – Kildare have now lost four games in a row – to Cork, Tyrone, Dublin and Kerry.
The Derry team to play Kildare today is (throw-in 3.00pm) is:
Thomas Mallon (An Lúb); Gareth McKinless (Baile an Doire), Chrissy McKaigue (Leacht Néill), Dermot McBride (Baile na Scrine); Kevin Johnston (Dún Geimhin), Gerard O’Kane (Gleann an Iolair), Sean Leo McGoldrick (Eoghan Rua); Fergal Doherty (Baile Eachaidh), Patsy Bradley (Leacht Néill); Ciaran McFaul (Gleann), Mark Lynch (Beannchar) captain, Enda Lynn (Grainlocha); Benny Heron (Baile na Scrine), Emmett McGuckin (Machaire Fíolta), Cailean O’Boyle (Leamhaigh).
Substitutes: Eoin McNicholl (Gleann an Iolair), Oisin Duffy (Forghleann), Mark Craig (Dún Geimhin), Charlie Kielt (Cill Ria), Aidan McAlynn (An Lúb), Niall Holly (Eoghan Rua), Danny Heavron (Machaire Fíolta), James Kielt (Cill Ria), Aaron Devlin (Baile an Doire), Declan Mullan (Eoghan Rua), Ciaran McGoldrick (Eoghan Rua), Conor McAtamney (Suaitreach).
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