Galway can't afford to let Kerry's key man David Clifford off the leash in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC final, warns Diarmuid Connolly.
Former Dubs ace Connolly came off the bench for the Dubs when they drew with Kerry in the 2019 decider and then beat them in the replay, the two games representing Clifford's first appearances in a senior All-Ireland final.
Sunday's clash with Galway is the Kingdom's first final appearance since then and Connolly believes their billing as hot favourites is justified.
READ MORE: 'I don’t mind where a fella comes from once he’s good enough at his job' - Kerry boss Jack O'Connor
And he is full of admiration for Clifford, predicting that the 23-year-old is primed for a stellar match-winning display at Croke Park for Jack O'Connor's side.
The Fossa marksman returned from injury for the semi-final victory over the Dubs a fortnight ago and, even if not fully fit, made a telling contribution in the thrilling encounter.
"Some may say David Clifford had a quiet enough day in the semi-final,“ said Connolly.
"But he still scored six and every time he got the ball in his hands, he looked like he was going to do something dangerous.
"This match-up will be key for Galway, because if Clifford gets going, he could put 1-6 or 1-7 on the board in a short space of time.
"I think man of the match has him written all over it.
"He’s the stand-out guy in this Kerry team and the All-Ireland final is made for him.”
While Kerry haven't lifted the Sam Maguire Cup since 2014, Galway have endured a 21 year wait.
But Connolly says that they face a Kerry side that is much more than just about one man.
“You have to look at Paudie (Clifford) too, who was man of the match against Dublin,” stressed the Boylesports columnist.
“It’ll probably be Sean Kelly or Liam Silke picking up David Clifford, but you can’t just focus on one guy, because the rest of them will start playing ball.
"The fact Kerry are hot favourites is justified.
“Connor Gleeson will have to get the ball off quickly to put pressure on the Kerry midfield and half forward line. If they go short, Kerry could just swamp them and that’s not what Galway need.
"They need quick balls into Damien Comer to get those scores.
“If they start well, then Comer and (Shane) Walsh, as well as Cillian McDaid and Paul Conroy in the middle of the park, are the lynchpins who will drive them forward.
"Comer was a beast against Derry, he’s top of the ground at the minute and he’ll take a bit of watching.
“Tom O’Sullivan will probably mark Shane Walsh and he’s a tenacious man-marker, so Walsh will have it all to do.”
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