Crozier mindful of Kerry threat

Derry boss Paddy Crozier knows that kingpins Kerry will pose a formidable challenge for his side as they hope to secure the county's sixth NFL Division 1 title in Sunday's decider at Parnell Park.

However, Crozier believes the time is right for the Oak Leafers to reach the pinnacle once more and bring their first league title since 2000 back to the north.

Derry were only one point behind Kerry when the sides met in Killarney last month and that was a particularly impressive performance as they had corner back Francis McEldowney dismissed in the first half.

"We were very unlucky not to get a result out of that game," Crozier admitted.

"Francis McEldowney was put off before half-time. We didn't think he should have been put off but they put in a tremendous performance.

"That was eight weeks ago and Kerry were short four of their top forwards. This will be a different Kerry team from the one we played in Killarney."

Despite the All-Ireland champions' star-laden panel, Crozier is looking forward to getting another crack at the 18-time league winners.

"In 2004 and 2006 they won the double and they are going for the double again in 2008, Kerry are the top team in Ireland and that can be daunting," he said.

"But it's great to play Kerry at the end of the league. We have seven weeks between the end of the league and the start of the championship so it's great to get a quality match like we have this Sunday."

Derry are chasing their sixth NFL title but the final will be in the confines of Parnell Park and not Croke Park - something which irks the Derry boss.

"The way it was marketed last year with Tyrone and Dublin, with the opening of the Croke Park floodlights, I don't see any reason (why it couldn't have been done the same).

"It's doing an injustice to Allianz and their sponsorship."

Crozier believes a double-header at Croke Park with the Division 2 decider would have been the ideal solution.

"I don't see any reason why it couldn't have been a double-header at Croke Park along with Dublin and Westmeath. There would have been nearly a full house I'm sure."

"That date was set in stone from day one - April 27 - for the National league final and I think the GAA authorities should have brought that into the fixture.

"I don't know why Croke Park is closed. We can have pop concerts and rugby and soccer in it but the players want to play at Croke Park.

"That's what the GAA are talking about is the grassroots and keeping the grassroots happy. Our players would have loved to have played at Croke Park."

Off the pitch, Crozier's preparations for the final have been dealt a major blow following an injury to James Conway in a work accident.

The influential midfielder will be absent from the Derry starting line-up this weekend.

"James had an accident at work three weeks ago. He played against Donegal and he came to training last Tuesday week, with a small cut in his knee but it opened again against Donegal," said Crozier.

"It got an infection and he had to go to hospital on Sunday to get it lanced. He won't be taking any part on Sunday."

Although Conway will be missed, Crozier believes the strength in depth in his panel will stand Derry well this weekend.

"We have a good blend of experience and youth now at the moment," he said.

"It's great to be in a National League final. The last time we were in a National League final was in 2000, when we beat Meath after a replay up at Clones.

"Eamon Coleman managed the team that day and it would be nice to get another one."