Scullion lauds backroom team

ALLIANZ FL DIVISION 1 FINAL:

The four-time All Star defender readily admits Brian McIver’s men exceeded supporters’ expectations by reaching the semi-finals never mind Sunday’s final against Dublin.

“Brian, Paddy Tally and the rest of the management team have brought a whole new approach to fitness levels and gameplans. We’re not getting carried away, we’ve been on a brilliant journey the last year or two and now we’re in a league final.

“It’s more than we expected but it’s down to the management who deserve a lot of credit because the players are really buying into what they’re telling them.”

Scullion raises the example of in-form Mark Lynch to back up his point. “Mark Lynch was a fabulous footballer at the age of 17 when he was playing for seven or eight teams between football and hurling and everyone wanted a slice of him

“I had him with the U17 International Rules team and he was a special player. He always has been but it’s a different Mark Lynch this year. From the outside looking in, our training has really picked up and he’s been able to get himself in fabulous shape without being burned out.

“He was always very disciplined but he’s doing all the right things on and off the field now and that’s the type of preparation the Derry management are into. He could always go for 70 minutes but not the way he’s going at the moment. His fitness levels are extremely high.”

Derry’s Division 1 final appearances in 2008 and ’09 were followed by Ulster semi-final defeats and early qualifier exits. It’s in Scullion’s nature to be a little bit cautious about how significant their spring campaign has been.

“Who knows what’s around the corner. In four weeks we play Donegal in Celtic Park and a lot of observers would be saying Donegal are favourites because they’re further down the road than we are.

“This is Jim McGuinness’ fourth year, he’s ticking all the boxes and they’re in a national final too. We haven’t been able to bring good league form into the Championship in the past but what I’m seeing this year is a group of players who believe in the football they’re playing.”

Derry face a long trip south to face Dublin but Scullion doesn’t mind a jot. “That’s the dream for every player. You never get fed up playing in Croke Park. It’s the holy grail for us. If we want to progress in the Championship we have to be winning games there.”