James Kielt's positioning at centre-forward has reaped rich dividends for Brian McIver's new-look Derry side.

The 24 year old has played many roles for the Oak Leaf County in the past but he was a permanent fixture on the 'forty' throughout their successful FL Division 2 campaign.

"Over the past few seasons, at both club and county levels, I have played in various positions but this season I have had more or less a permanent role at centre-forward," Kielt remarked to the Irish News.

"That means I have been able to get used to playing that role and it has made life a lot easier.

"It means you are playing the same type of football in every game and you get used to the pattern of play. I'm very happy with the situation and, I think, it has helped my game."

The Derry man was speaking after picking up the Ulster GAA Writers' Monthly Merit Award for April.

His displays as Derry claimed the FL Division 2 silverware helped him beat off stiff competition from Tyrone goalkeeper Niall Morgan and Monaghan's Owen Lennon.

"I have had a very poor success rate in finals, losing many at club and county levels, so to be on the winning side in a national final was very pleasing indeed.

"We really needed to win that final and it sets us up well for the Ulster championship."

He added: "As usual, Down will be difficult to beat with the return of Ambrose Rogers being a great boost to them.

"For the next few weeks we will be building towards that game and, hopefully, we will come out on the right side of the result." Tweet

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