Con O'Callaghan v Conor McCluskey the key match-up in league blockbuster

The likely match-up between Derry defender Conor McCluskey and Dublin's Con O’Callaghan could have a huge say in the outcome of Saturday’s Allianz Football League clash at Celtic Park.

Mickey Harte’s side, All-Ireland semi-finalists the last two years and looking to push on, have started the year like they mean business with four wins from four in the league.

They welcome All-Ireland champions Dublin to town on Saturday night, who themselves served notice of where the bar is by dismantling Kerry last time out, with O’Callaghan helping himself to a hat-trick.

It makes for hugely anticipated encounter in early March, with the championship looming on the horizon.

"Derry probably have the four stronger performances overall, but Dublin's peak against Kerry is higher than anything Derry has produced," former Tyrone player Enda McGinley told RTÉ Radio 1’s Morning Ireland.

"Dublin were absolutely superb. This is the game of the year so far."

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Last March, Brendan Rodgers struck an injury-time winner to edge out the Dubs at a packed Celtic Park, where a relatively subdued O'Callaghan was held to a point.

The powerful forward was in sublime form a month later, however, when a devastating second-half display saw Dessie Farrell's side land the Division 2 title on a 4-06 to 0-11 scoreline against the Ulster side.

The Cuala ace didn’t score on the day at Croke Park, but was the key creator in a man-of-the-match display, with McCluskey among those to struggle at the hands of the gifted forward, fouling