Ben McCarron celebrates scoring Derry’s second goal in their Ulster final win over Cavan

ANY suggestion that the Derry minors have got another gear should leave the rest of the teams in the All-Ireland minor championship worried.

The Oak Leafers qualified for Saturday’s All-Ireland minor championship clash against Sligo with an excellent Ulster final win over Cavan.

Yes they got a fortunate own goal from the Breffni boys, and one of the Cavan key man had an early shower when he was shown a black card, but Derry were still very impressive.

Yet their manager Damian McErlain says his team can get better.

“We are always trying to improve. We want to up the pace of our game big time. On the day of the Ulster final we looked very good, and at time we were very good.

But I think there is another level that we can play the game at, and dictate the game. So that is something that we are working hard on. We want to try to move the ball quicker to give the forwards the best chance to win the ball ahead of their man.”

This is the third year that Derry have reached the All-Ireland series.

Five players were involved in last year’s campaign; Simon McErlain, Oisin McWilliams, Paudie McGrogan, Paddy Quigg, Conor McCloskey.

They will bring that experience to bear this weekend, but even those who weren’t involved have come in for praise from McErlain who has been impressed by their maturity.

“They are ambitious. They are showing that every match that they can reset and take the next team for whatever they are. It has worked for us so far.

The full inteview with Damian McErlain is available in store today or online here.