Its a dream draw for Derry, great chance of making an AI final. Easy enough match for their players to get accustomed to Croke Park ahead of an AI semi final.
There will be absolutely nothing easy about it. Clare will be just as glad that they got us as we are to get them. They'll not have any fear of us.
Lets be honest, it will be their easiest game of the championship to date. I never understand lads on forums warily trying to talk up the opposition ahead of a match as if their opinion is going to make one jot of difference.
On paper it should be, I agree.
But a lot will depend on the Derry mentality.
Have they managed to get their feet back on the ground after the first Ulster in 24 years?
Will they be overconfident going in against Clare? Derry have had a long break, so might be difficult to keep tuned in at the right level over that time.
Clare are no soft touch, but if Derry bring the same level of focus, intensity and desire to win as they did to games so far, I think we'll win this game.
Clare will be happy coming in ss slight underdogs and will be flying high after the nature of their win against Roscommon.