Chrissy McKaigue believes Brian McIver's decision not to tinker with the spine of his team has been a key reason behind Derry's success this spring.

Full back McKaigue is one of three players who have started every game in the Allianz Football League and speaking to the Irish News ahead of Sunday's Division 2 final against Westmeath, he said: "It helps when you have some consistency.

"Myself, Patsy Bradley and James Kielt played every league game. PJ McCloskey and Eoin Bradley played in nearly every game and Mark Lynch only missed the last two through injury. I think every successful team needs an established spine."

The Derry defence has tightened up considerably in recent games, and this is something former AFL recruit McKaigue is pleased about.

"Most times we have held the marquee forwards relatively well, but scores have sometimes come from other positions that you wouldn't expect," he continues.

"In the last few games, we held Louth fairly well and they have a couple of really good forwards. We also held Longford and Westmeath really well. We have been working on our defensive system in training.

"You want to hold teams to about 10 to 12 points. When you do that, you always have a good chance of winning." Tweet

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