Ulster U-20 Football Championship quarter-finals
Derry v Antrim
Friday, Owenbeg, 8pm

By Alan Rodgers

AN UNDERAGE resurgence which has already seen Derry make a big mark at All-Ireland level will see them bid to launch a strong challenge in this year’s Ulster U-20 competition.

Many of the players lined out for the county in their All-Ireland Minor success in 2020. Add in the continuing schools success of St Mary’s in Magherafelt and it means that the Oakleaf County are poised to pose a formidable threat indeed at this level.

The emphasis on underage development has ensured a steady stream of talented players. some of whom are also beginning to emerge as key stalwarts at senior level. Among them is Dan Higgins from Magherafelt, who is understandably looking forward to a provincial championship which promises much as they aim to realise their undoubted potential.

This year’s u-20 championship will be run-off in a quickfire, month-long campaign. It’s one which the Rossa player is looking forward and the prospect of game after game will be a significant motivating factor.

“Our preparations have been going well despite a few injuries and the players on the senior team,” he said.

“A lot of the Antrim players will know us and the same with us at university. Antrim have some good players and we’ll not be under-estimating them.

“Ulster Championship games are always competitive. It’s about going into this one with a degree of confidence.

“The majority of our minor team which won the All-Ireland in 2020 are playing for us. Then we’ve a few added ones from older players coming in to boost us.

“We don’t get any extra pressure form those past successes. Last year I just went into each game just thinking about the task at hand.

“It is difficult sometimes to get everyone out to training. But it’s getting to the stage where we’re building up the intensity, and everybody is focused on the game.”

Those past success and Derry’s undoubted credentials at underage level mean that anything other than a reasonably comprehensive victory for them will be a big shock. Whatever happens, though, Higgins is relishing the challenges ahead if they can manage to progress beyond this quarter final tie.

“Last year having a game week on week worked for us as minors,” he added.

“Our whole championship was played off in four weeks. I think it’s good not to overly be thinking about the game and having those matches one after the other is a bonus.

“It’s about playing the match, resting and then preparing for the next game and learn from that. I always enjoy the quick games because you just to go out and play.

“Championship games are something that you look forward to throughout the year. It’s what you play and train for, this is where we want to be playing on the big days.”

READ MORE  Hear the vibe from the Antrim camp. Click here…