Sludden relishing Kerry showdown

A POTENTIAL first National League Final in almost a decade is now the big prize awaiting Tyrone provided the stars all align together as they prepare for next weekend’s massive semi-final clash against Kerry.

Last weekend’s draw against Monaghan was enough to secure Feargal Logan, Brian Dooher and the class of 2021 their Division One survival. But the prospect of this intriguing penultimate clash against the Kingdom is whetting the appetite for another big test.

Victory for the Red Hands and for Dublin over Donegal would set up a National League final at Croke Park and the kind of competitive match practice which could prove so vital in this shortened season.

It’s something which the players and management will no doubt be relishing as they bid to build on the performances to date.

While top flight status for 2022 was secured, the mantra from the management and the players is that improvements are required as they build towards the championship next month.

Dromore’s Niall Sludden got important gametime in the draw against Monaghan and is looking forward to meeting Kerry.

“It’s a totally different style with them. The skills that they were displaying against Dublin shows that you just can’t switch off or that ball is going to be in the back of the net,” he said.

“But that’s what you want. You want to be testing yourself against the best and I think that will bring out the best in this squad and this group of players.

“So bring it on and we’ll work on the things that we have to improve on.

“It’s going to be great now that we’re in the semi-final. That’s where you want to be, testing yourself against the best a couple of weeks out from the championship.”

FULL STORY IN LAST WEEK’S STRABANE CHRONICLE