Former Offaly sharpshooter Nigel Dunne reckons Dublin will “have to come out swinging” in tomorrow’s crucial All-Ireland SFC third round clash against Derry in Newry.

‘The Group of Death’ comes to its conclusion this weekend and, with Armagh already through to the quarter-finals, a win for Derry against the Dubs would see them through to the knock-out stages, while a draw would be enough for Dessie Farrell’s men to advance and send the Oak Leafers out in the process.

Speaking on the RTE GAA Podcast ahead of this weekend’s games, Dunne said he gives Derry “a massive chance” to end Dublin’s season at Pairc Esler tomorrow.

"The venue has significance here. It will suit Derry," he stated. "They finished strong in the last 12 minutes against Armagh, they had a really good outing against Galway.

"They look to be coming back to their old form. Conor Glass and Brendan Rogers have grabbed the dressing room by the scruff of the neck and said 'let’s get over this. Rory Gallagher’s not coming back. We have to move on with our lives, we have to make sure Derry’s competitive again’.

"If the game was in Croke Park, I’d be saying Dublin all day long. I really give Derry a massive chance. But Dublin look a bit vulnerable. They looked panicked the last day [against Armagh].

"There was a stretch in the second half where Dublin were doing what Dublin do, they were breaking at pace, they still have all these great athletes – but they were panicking and forcing two-point shots.

"They looked like a team that didn’t trust themselves. They didn’t trust themselves to chip away at a lead. They were anxious to get scores on the board. It just felt like they lacked confidence, which is an unusual thing to say.

"Even Dessie Farrell throwing the hat on the ground… Dublin are going to have to come out swinging – because you know Derry will."

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