MONAGHAN u-17 manager Mark Counihan says that his team have to keep their head in the game if they want to win a third Ulster u-17 title in a row.

Counihan has guided the county to their previous two successes and that experience will be so crucial to his team on Friday night when they take on Derry in the final.

“They just have to keep their head in the game and focus on themselves,” he said.

“They have to focus on what we have been working on.

“They have to focus on what has got us here and focus on a really good Derry team.

“We just have to keep it calm and not overhype it. Derry are a formidable team. We just have to keep our boys focused and calm.”

Counihan’s team beat Fermanagh by 3-10 to 2-10 in the Ulster semi-final last weekend. They needed a Dylan O’Reilly goal in added time to get them over the line.

Counihan, understandably so, said that the manner of the win left them with some concerns.

“We have areas to improve on but we are delighted with the effort.

“It was a ferocious game that was played at a high tempo. The last game they played was against Antrim six months ago so you never know where you are really at. The boys have been very diligent about any work they have been given during the lockdown. It was good that they were able to play at that intensity for that period of time.”

Counihan pointed out that this was a game that was due to be played last year and the long wait was always going to have an effect upon his players.

With the game over, they know can look ahead.

“We have a different prospect ahead of us on Friday night. It is going to be a quick turnaround.

“Derry have a massive physical presence. They have a lot of big men round the middle. It is going to take a bit of work on our own kickouts and on their kickouts to try and nullify that aerial threat that they pose round the middle. It is a challenge and something that we have to work around.”

With regards injuries, Counihan reported that he expects everyone to be fit for their game this weekend.

As the u-17s are a stepping stone to a higher level, and many of Counihan’s previous minor teams have unearthed good senior players, the questions will be asked which lads are going to make it at the next level.

“It is hard to call. It was hard to pick who would make it and who wouldn’t when it was u-18s, now that it is u-17s the gap is greater. In terms of the attitude and the desire to represent Monaghan then you could take your pick of this team.

“This group has a fantastic attitude. They really want to represent Monaghan to the best of their ability and I wouldn’t write anyone off.”

MANAGER… Mark Counihan