Derry must deliver against Clare: Gallagher

DERRY manager Rory Gallagher’s focus is now fully on Sunday week’s visit of Clare.

The Oakleafers took a significant step towards promotion with victory over Dublin on Saturday night.

Cork’s win over the Banner on Sunday means Derry will gain promotion to Division One for the first time since 2015 if they avoid defeat to Clare who have new Sleacht Néill manager Mark Doran in their backroom team.

“After we beat Kildare, we needed three points out of six – do I care how it comes? No,” Gallagher said after their victory over the Dubs.

“We know now we need one, and we know now we need to go and deliver against Clare.”

Derry came from six points down early in the second half to turn the tables on Dublin with Niall Toner’s goal and their impact from the bench doing the damage before Brendan Rogers kicked the winner.

“He’s just an incredible fella,” Gallagher hailed of the Sleacht Néill man who made his debut as a full-back under Brian McIver in 2015.

“I’m delighted to move him to midfield, whether Eoin McEvoy appeared on the scene or not, we were moving him to the middle of the field. He’s just a phenomenal player and a phenomenal person.”