McConville: Derry now face 'biggest challenge in sport'

Derry must overcome the biggest challenge in sport if they're to book a place in the Ulster final with a win over Monaghan at the Athletic Grounds on Sunday, according to former Armagh ace Oisin McConville.

Having debuted their championship season with a note-perfect dismantling of reigning All-Ireland holders Tyrone at Healy Park a fortnight ago, they now face into that tricky second album against a Monaghan side who may very well know every word of their latest single.

Speaking on the RTÉ GAA podcast, McConville wondered if Rory Gallagher's side need to slightly reinvent themselves in order to ensure the Farney Army - who had little trouble seeing off Down the last day - don't see them coming.

"Derry now face the biggest challenge in sport, for me - can you get yourself back up to a nine or a nine-and-a-half out a 10 again?" McConville asked.

"Now that Monaghan have seen exactly what Derry are about, can they reinvent themselves again, or do they just stick with what gave them success the last day?"

Gallagher may have kept a trick or two up his sleeve during the recent league campaign which helped his side pull off the opening-day upset against the Red Hand, but the element of surprise is not something the Oakleafers can rely on this Sunday.

"Tactically, he has changed a lot," McConville added. "If people want to know why Derry didn't get promoted from Division Two, it's because I think they were keeping a bit of stuff locked away for that Tyrone game.

"The most surprising thing for me for with teams that play against Monaghan, is that they decide they are going to have a go at [Monaghan keeper, Rory] Beggan. And they feel as if that's the right way to go.

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