Derry manager Ciaran Meenagh says his side expects a battle with Clare when the two sides meet on Saturday week for the third round of the All-Ireland SFC group stage.

The Ulster champions fired three goals past Donegal last weekend to record their first win of the round-robin series on a 3-14 to 1-15 scoreline in Ballybofey.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI, Meenagh said his charges are keen to book a first place in the group and that means a win over the Banner men in nine days’ time at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park (6pm).

"Clare are a bit like another Ulster team for us, we've played them that many times in the last few years and they know us inside, out,” he said.

"We will just play that game totally on its own merits and let Donegal and Monaghan slog it out. It's great that the three of us have something to play for, going through in first, second or third.

"I think everyone would prefer to go through in first place. You look at some of the teams that are probably coming through as second seeds as well.

"We're used to playing games week on week, we'll take it whatever way we get it. We just want to win the game and take it from there."

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