Slaughtneil defender Chrissy McKaigue believes it would be naïve of them to write off Cavan Gaels'chances in Sunday's Ulster club SFC final.

The Derry side are strong favourites to defend their title once again as they prepare to face a Cavan Gaels side that are in their first provincial final in 40 years.

Slaughtneil will be without Cormac O'Doherty and Meehaul McGrath for the final, while the Cavan champions have also had the added bonus of a tough replay win over Derrygonnelly Harps.

And McKaigue feels that Cavan Gaels have just as much experience as them at this level, which should see it being a close contest at the weekend.

"The big thing that can't be underestimated is the experience of having previous Ulster club campaigns," McKaigue told the Derry Journal.

"That counts for an awful lot and both of us have plenty of it. They're also similar to ourselves in having a sprinkle of boys who have played inter-county.

"Sometimes playing so many tough games can tell you what a team's really about and, over the last few years, no one could question Slaughtneil's unity or fighting spirit. But finals are always unique. They often take on a life of their own."

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