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3rd March 2023
12:37pm GMT
Rory Gallagher has revealed that there are two things he demands from his Derry players every game, and it's no different just because Dublin are coming to town.
Derry currently sit top of Division Two although the Dubs are also unbeaten and in prime position for promotion, making this Saturday's clash the biggest game in this league.
Despite winning eery game, Dessie Farrell's men aren't exactly performing with the conviction that you would expect from them, while the Oakleaf county seem to be hitting top gear.
"We're delighted to be unbeaten and to have won every game. It has put us in a position now to really go for that push for promotion and that is the challenge that lies ahead," Gallagher told BBC Sport.
"The two of us are neck and neck, we have a small bit of the lead but the winners will be in an even better position.
"Dublin will feel their fixtures are a wee bit kinder than ours towards the end, so it is all about bringing a real savage desire and hunger at the weekend and building on the performance against Kildare."
Gallagher reveals that there are two things he demands from his players for every game, and that won't change just because the capital are visiting.
"There is a natural excitement and hunger when you're winning games and I demand that same attitude and energy from them every week, otherwise they aren't respecting the Derry jersey they get the opportunity to wear," added the Derry boss.
Gallagher confirmed that Gareth McKinless has returned to training - the man-marker hasn't played since picking up an injury in the league win over Limerick at the end of January.
"Gareth is back in full training, he probably won't start as he has had a limited amount of minutes on the pitch but he will be on the bench and all being well ready to go if we need him. Other than that we have everyone fit."
Despite the negative press around Dublin's performances, particularly last week when they were luck to escape with the win against Clare, Gallagher doesn't think that they will be panicking.
"I certainly don't think Dublin will be too concerned about their performances, I think they are very clear about the trajectory they are going in.
"They're introducing an enormous amount of new players and getting some really experienced players back, so there is a great level of maturity and freshness in the Dublin side.
"We know they're going to bring their strongest team of the year and we just respect them and focus on ourselves.
"We will be confident that if we can play at a really high level we can beat most teams. I expect the lads to take it [the occasion] in their stride."
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