Derry ‘as good as anyone’ – Brennan

Derry reached their first Ulster SFC final in 11 years on Sunday with a resounding victory over Armagh. They can beat anyone now, says manager John Brennan.

It has to be said that the Derry v Armagh Ulster SFC semi-final was a cracking game on Sunday but perhaps it’s jumping the gun somewhat for Brennan to give such a pre-emptive judgment.

“The confidence is oozing at the moment because they went out and proved they are capable of playing. I have had questions all week. It’s like playing an old LP with a faulty needle,” he told the Irish Times.

“How many times have I said all week or prior to this: we had to raise our standards

“I think we are as good as anyone. I am proud of the players. We got over the line and we are in an Ulster final and I hope to win something. What can I say? They were very good and I am proud of them.”

Star of the show in the defeat of Armagh was full-forward Eoin Bradley who tormented his marker Brendan Donaghy and came away with 1-5 to his name.

Bradley said after the game that much of the credit is owed to Brennan, a father figure as he puts it.

"John is just a different manager than anyone I have worked with anyhow. He is a kind of a father to the team and all the players seem to be enjoying it and everyone is getting on really well.

"He has a good track record and that helps. But I can't put my finger on it. He brings something different and we came out to get to an Ulster final and, thank God, we made it after twelve years.

"This was my fifth or sixth semi-final and it is great to be there.