Jack O'Connor: 'Highly dangerous' Derry have Kerry on high alert

Kingdom boss on the League champions: 'They came through their struggles, they have all their important players back. That’s a dangerous animal in our estimation'

EXPLOSION: Kerry's Paudie Clifford celebrates winning last year's All-Ireland semi-final. Pic: Evan Treacy, Inpho

IT ISN’T the mythical draw of Jones’ Road that has Kerry’s footballers eager and taut this week. More the fact that lose Sunday against Derry in the All-Ireland SFC last eight and Monday doesn’t matter.

“The most important thing the players know is it is now knockout football”, manager Jack O’Connor said Tuesday. “Up to now there was a safety net, from here on though, this is it, no second chances. Theirs is that heightened level of intensity and awareness, but the lads are looking forward to getting back there. They know that’s where we want to be playing football, there is a nice sense of anticipation.”