Fear of appearing egotistical made David Clifford initially skeptical about signing McKeever deal 

Clifford finally gave his permission to McKeever and the line was released last year after another company produced garments featuring his image without his permission.

David Clifford wearing one of McKeever Sports' 'Clifford' jerseys. Pic: Elverys.ie

David Clifford admitted a fear of appearing egotistical was a reason why he was initially reluctant to sign a clothing wear deal.

The three-time footballer of the year revealed he finally gave his permission to McKeever and the line was released last year after another company produced garments featuring his image without his permission.

“McKeever came to me with the idea, I suppose it's a good few years ago now, and I kind of put it off and put it off and then they came to me again and I just... look, obviously you were taking a bit of a chance in the sense of how was it going to look?

“I suppose I'd be conscious of not wanting to appear, 'who does this fella think he is' kind of stuff, but it was probably getting to the stage where it was being done, and there were jerseys appearing that I had nothing to do with, if that makes sense.

“So, this was probably just a way of let's say regulating that and obviously the fact that it sold so well was probably a nice addition that, do you know what, you were probably maybe justified in making the decision.” 

Screening was a topic of conversation both after Kerry’s Division 1 final defeat and last Saturday’s Munster semi-final win over Clare where Clifford scored 1-1 immediately following screens by Mike Breen and Tony Brosnan on his marker Ikem Ugwueru.

Clifford played down the significance of it as a coached practice. 

“It's funny, I think sometimes coaches can get too much credit. No one has ever really mentioned anything about that, it just kind of happens.

“Who's the onus on? Is it on the player? Are you going to move out of the way? Or does the defender have to move out of the way? I'm not really sure what else you're meant to do if people get that close together.” 

The excitement around Mayo teenager Kobe McDonald has not been seen since Clifford made his senior debut as a 19-year-old in 2018.

“It's not that long ago, but I can barely remember what it felt like,” admits Clifford. “Look, I suppose while there's hype, you're still trying to find your feet as a young player. Me anyway, I probably didn't fully believe that I was...you're not fully sure whether you're at that level.

“Of course, there's hype, but does the hype really matter unless you're performing? He clearly is performing, so he's obviously doing fine.”