DERRY forward Shane McGuigan has said that the league final win over Offaly two weeks ago is good preparation ahead of their Ulster Championship campaign.

“It is good to go into the championship on this current form.”

However, if we are picking holes in the Derry campaign then perhaps their shot selection might be a problem. During the league final they missed a few chances to score, and that was an issue during the league.

McGuigan said: “It did happen in the early stages but we put it down to being rusty. But we were happy we were creating the chances.

“I wouldn’t say there is panic, but we know we have to start converting the chances that we are creating. Every time we attack we do look dangerous.

“We have serious runners coming from deep.

“We are able to mix up the running game with the kicking game. I do think there will be a time that these chances will need to be converted.”

Yet the pressure is not solely on the forwards like McGuigan.

“It isn’t just about the forwards. I do think we are one team. We have to defend as one but we also have to attack as one.

“ It is not just the forwards who have to take the pressure on. We have to work as one to rectify it. It is not a big issue as people are making out.

“We are still averaging 19 points a game so I think if you are scoring that on Championship days it should be good enough.”

McGuigan said that the mood in the camp is relaxed.

“Everyone is enjoying getting out there. With football having been at a minimum for the past year and a half I just think that everyone is appreciating each others time.

“I know Rory has put a big emphasis on the togetherness of the squad and being in each others company more.

“Everyone has made a big effort to mix with each other even outside the training camps.

“We are relaxed about the season ahead. I don’t think anyone is getting hyped up about the excitement around the county.

“I know there is a long way to go and this is just a new team that is building towards something. I don’t think we are expected to win Ulsters or All-Irelands yet.”

Derry’s last Ulster championship win was way back in 2015. It’s a stat that the Derry team have spoken about.

“It doesn’t sound good. That is going on six years. I think come a time there has to be a statement made by this team. It might not be this year but we will be giving it our all.

“The knockout championship this year puts that added bit of pressure on the line.

“I don’t think anyone wants our season to end.

“I think a statement needs to be made soon if we are serious about where we want to go.”

LOOKING AHEAD… Shane McGuigan says that Derry want to take more chances