Former Kerry manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice sees Saturday’s clash between Derry and Dublin as a major opportunity for the Oak Leafers to deliver “a statement win”.

Both teams lead the way in Division 2 of the Allianz Football League with maximum points after four games and Rory Gallagher’s men have had some impressive performances along the way.

Speaking on the RTE GAA Podcast, Fitzmaurice feels the Ulster champions have a great chance to “sock it into Dublin” at Celtic Park this weekend.

"Derry have pushed on from last year again. We’ve all been so impressed with them for the last couple of seasons and the graph has continued to go up," he said.

"A couple of the issues that were hanging over them from last year, particularly in terms of their forward threat and a bit more support for Shane McGuigan, they looked to have worked on that this winter and they have improved again and they are pushing on again.

"It’s a huge opportunity for them next weekend, if they were to beat Dublin above in Derry that's a statement win. You can be sure that Rory Gallagher is really driving that angle this week.

"It’s a great chance to maybe sock it into Dublin when Dublin look like they’re stuck in gear at the moment and haven’t really got going."

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