Derry's Brendan Rodgers enjoying the journey and ready for Dublin clash

From Division Four in 2019 to winning Ulster titles and preparing for the Division One final, Derry's Brendan Rodgers has seen it all.

The 2023 Player of the Year nominee has been one of the driving forces behind the county's revival, as they take on All-Ireland champions Dublin on Sunday in Croke Park.

In a repeat of last year's Division Two final, which Dublin ran out as winners hits four second half goals, Derry showed their mental strength to ensure it did not derail their season, as they just missed out on an All-Ireland final.

Having been part of a side which has achieved three promotions and back-to-back Ulster titles, Rodgers is happy to be part of this Derry side in an exciting time for the county, but is not taking anything for granted.

"I am unfortunately one of those guys that is privy to those days in Division Four when it wasn't as pleasant to go to watch us.

“We were there on merit. I guess one of the good things about it is that we knew where we were at. We knew we would have to get out on merit, to develop that level of consistency, to improve.

“That is what has been the good thing about it, the enjoyable part of the journey for us: when you know you're putting in the work, you can see the progression. We are making steps along the way.

“It keeps you grounded, to let you know that you can always go back there, just as quick again. That is a good motivating factor for anyone.

“For the younger lads that are lucky not to have seen it, you can give them that reminder - don't get too far ahead of yourself. That is a possibility when you let things slip. It is a good motivator.”

As Rodgers knows all too well, success for Derry did not come overnight.

From success at club level for Glen, who won a senior