Trying to stop David Clifford has 'kept us up late at night', says Dublin boss Dessie Farrell

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell has said the planning to try to stop Kerry star David Clifford has "kept us up late at night" in the build-up to Sunday's All-Ireland Football Championship final.

Clifford has been at the forefront of Kerry’s march to another decider as they look to defend the crown they won last year – a game in which he scored 0-08 of their 0-20 points.

The Fossa man scored 0-09 in this year’s semi-final and has 5-39 in total in the championship so far.

Dublin come into this decider as marginal underdogs, but there are many who believe they can dethrone the champions.

Stopping Clifford from registering a big score will go a long way to do so.

Clifford, and which one of his defenders will be tasked with marking him, is firmly on the mind of the Dublin manager.

He said: "That is going to be a challenge for sure. It's kept us up late at night shall I say. I think ultimately it's going to be a team effort.

"It will require a great team defence. He is a unique player, a special talent, and we're going to do our best to rise to that challenge."

Dublin were beaten by Derry in the league and held by Roscommon during the group phase before the knockout rounds of the All-Ireland.

There was a doubt over how strong they would be, yet they have shown shades of their former greatness in dismantling Mayo and managing to overcome a stern Monaghan challenge in the last two games before the final.

Farrell added: "Monaghan are a much-improved team. We knew they would challenge us right to the bitter end. That proved to be the case and we were just delighted to get through it

"The National League was important to us in terms of promotion and getting back to Division 1. Then the Leinster Championship in terms of retaining that title