Russell and Clare colleagues set minds on siege of Derry

What a time to be a Clare supporter! As Brian Lohan’s men continue to show the grit and determination that were a hallmark of the full back’s own career, the Clare footballers are looking to secure back to back Championship wins in Croke Park.

Although that prospect seemed unlikely when falling short against Limerick in the Munster Championship, Colm Collins’ side have regrouped and after a mesmerising comeback against Roscommon, they now stand on the brink of reaching the final four.

With Ulster champions Derry standing in their way, Clare will enter as underdogs. Ciarán Russell is aware the task at hand is a difficult one but he hopes that his side can build upon the hurlers’ recent success and give the county’s supporters another day out in GAA HQ after this Saturday.

“There is a lot of crossover between clubs so I’d know a few of the lads. I’m delighted to see them do well. It’s great for the county and great to see them progressing. We hope we can join them (in reaching the All Ireland semi finals). Hopefully we both have more wins in Croke Park this year.”

Clare’s brave challenge looked to be ending in that second round qualifier when they conceded nine points and only scored one in a damaging spell after half time, which led them to trail 1-17 to 1-12.

What subsequently followed was on the of the great comebacks in Clare football as a Keelan Sexton penalty coupled with Jamie Malone’s injury time point rescued a victory when defeat looked the more likely outcome.

Russell believes Clare were rewarded for never allowing their confidence to dip, even during a damaging third quarter.

“On the pitch you never let yourself think the game is gone as it definitely will be then. The big thing we’ve worked on is our mindset. It’s not done until it’s done. We have put an awful lot of work in to our fitness and skill all year so you can never let your mind wander.”

Clare success in Croke Park is rare and therefore must be treasured. With more inter county managers and players stressing the need to look ahead to the next game, Russell feels it was important that Clare celebrated their historic triumph.

The Éire Óg man admits it’s a balancing act between enjoying the taste of success and trying to focus on the even bigger challenge that lays ahead.

“First and foremost you have to enjoy winning. You don’t win all the time. That day and the following day you do feel good and enjoy it. It’s important to enjoy the win but you can’t let it cloud your judgement. You have to park it but you can use that positivity going into training.”

“It’s a hard balance. It’s not an easy thing to judge but it doesn’t just stop with us winning one game in Croke Park.”

With Russell travelling in 2016 when Clare won the Division Three final at Croke Park and faced Kerry in a quarter final at GAA HQ in the same year, the game against Roscommon was his first time experiencing playing a Championship game at national headquarters.

A Division Four league final defeat against Tipperary was the only other time he graced Croke Park although his and Clare’s lack of experience at the venue was certainly not on show.

The 30-year-old praises the work of Colm Collins and his backroom team in ensuring the players were ready as they dominated most of the game while their strong finish illustrated the belief that the Cratloe man has infused in this side.

“I think it’s a testament to the work that Colm has done. He’s surrounded himself with the best people and given us the platform to be as good as good as we can be. One win doesn’t define him. We hope there’s more to come and he always wants more from us. That’s what makes him such a good manager.”

Jamie Malone and Keelan Sexton were instrumental in inspiring Clare’s late comeback. The pair have suffered with injuries in recent times.

Malone was hampered by an ankle injury last year while Sexton has been plagued with ailments; a hamstring complaint ruled him out of the Munster Championship defeat to Limerick.

The Limerick-based Garda has praised the duo for their work off the pitch to ensure that they were able to help the team when they returned to the fray.

“Down the years Jamie has been the go-to man. He’s come up with a lot of important scores. He had his injury and put in an awful lot of work off the pitch. He’s always one guy you can rely on. I’m delighted to see him up there and playing well again.”

“Keelan is around long enough and has the experience. Last year in the county final against us he was exceptional. He’s a confidence player. There are not too many better than him around. He’s always practicing frees and ‘45s. If the chance is there, he knows he’s done the work beforehand.”

Clare enter this weekend’s game as firm underdogs against the Ulster champions. With Derry prevailing by 2-13 to 0-10 when these sides met in the league, Russell insists that his side won’t be taking much from their February clash in Cusack Park.

“It’s going to be a tough task. They are the Ulster champions. Having played them before it gives you an understanding but league and Championship are two completely different competitions.

“Everyone knows how tough the Ulster Championship is to win. We are not playing the same team from the league so I don’t think a lot can be taken from it.”

Russell is confident Clare can give Derry a stern examination of their credentials when the pair collide on Saturday.

“We know we face a tough task against Derry. Whether it’s Derry or whoever it is, if we play how we can then we can be a match for anyone.”

Colm Collins’ side have struggled to replicate their opening half performances in the early stages of the final period of action throughout the Championship.

After Keelan Sexton put them three ahead against Roscommon early in the second half, they subsequently went 24 minutes without a score.

Russell believes that Clare will need to improve upon their third quarter showings so far this year.

“We are looking for an all round improvement. A big area to target is the period just after half time. In the last few games, we have been a bit sluggish coming out after half time. If we can address that little period of the game then we hope to be in with a chance near the end. All you need is to have a chance and then anything can happen.”