By Michael McMullan

THEY might be dangling over the relegation trap door but Derry manager Paddy Tally has hailed the effort of his squad.

The Oakleafers must pick up a first of the season at home to Mayo on Sunday to offer any chance of extending their top-flight stay to a third season.

He is planning without Brendan Rogers who turned an ankle in the defeat to Donegal and is uncertain over Eoin McEvoy’s involvement.

Conor McCluskey’s recovery from a groin injury is slower than expected. On top of Chrissy McKaigue’s retirement and Gareth McKinless having his season ended with a knee injury, it leaves Derry shorn of experienced defensive options.

Their development panel played Tyrone last weekend to have a look at other options for the squad.

As for any u-20 players, Tally won’t be considering them until their own season comes to a close.

In terms of Sunday, he is looking at it no differently than any of their previous league outings.

Derry eyes are scanning just the six inches in front of their face.

“We’ve been very much focused on what we’re doing and how we’re performing,” the Derry boss told Gaelic Life

“We’ve been introducing players and getting to know players, they’ve been getting to know us.”

There is the factor of the new rules that are set for more change this weekend.

“Our full focus will be on how we perform against Mayo,” Tally outlined.

“We thought we played pretty well the last day (against Donegal).

“I wouldn’t say it was perfect by any means, but there definitely was a good improvement from the Dublin match. We did a lot of things well, so we’re hoping to build on that.”

With their injuries to Rogers and McEvoy, Tally spoke of “a bit of” change. There is also the fact it’s a last home game of the campaign.

With a ball or two bouncing for them, Derry could have a totally different outlook on this weekend.

“There was so much to be positive about against Donegal,” Tally added. “In parts of the game, we played really well. We were doing everything right.”

Decision-making was spot on and 1-19 is a creditable return on the scoreboard. It all came down to Donegal putting on a squeeze in the final 10 minutes with more experienced players on the pitch.

“You wouldn’t have been in any way annoyed with the players,” Tally said.

“They played well. I think they gave all they had on the day. We just came up a bit short.

“One thing I can’t fault is effort and the application of the players. They’ve been really testing circumstances because of what’s went on and really where they’re coming from.

“You can do nothing only really compliment them on what they’ve done so far. They’re disappointed because they haven’t got the points to show for it on the table.

“Now, we’re heading into the last couple of matches. It’s been a very testing Division One. It’s been a blink of an eye. Now we’re sitting in the last two games.

“I do think they should be better than one point on the table. I think we deserved more than that.”

Check out this week’s podcast with Ronan O’Neill and Shaun Casey, looking ahead to this week’s action. The podcast is brought to you in association with Hastings Everglades Hotel