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Preview: Allianz FL D1 - Monaghan v Cavan

Darren Hughes, Neil McAdam, and Colin Walshe surround Mayo forward Jason Doherty at Elverys MacHale Park last Saturday.

Darren Hughes, Neil McAdam, and Colin Walshe surround Mayo forward Jason Doherty at Elverys MacHale Park last Saturday.

Sunday February 12

Allianz Football League Division One

Monaghan v Cavan, Castleblayney, 2pm

Mattie McGleenan wants Cavan to develop further and that mission can be accomplished by staying in Division One of the Allianz Football League.

This high stakes derby promises to be a lively encounter and McGleenan is keen that Cavan retain their top flight status.

Having guided Scotstown to three Monaghan SFC titles in four years, McGleenan will know all about the strength of Malachy O’Rourke’s team.

It will be another important 70 minutes for Cavan according to McGleenan. "It's going to be absolutely class. Everything we are doing now is preparation for the Ulster Championship. The level of football is absolutely fabulous. For Cavan's development, it's so important we stay in Division One.”

Cavan suffered an opening round defeat to All Ireland champions Dublin in front of a packed Kingspan Breffni Park, but Monaghan secured a valuable victory away to Mayo.

Following a disappointing Championship in 2016, O’Rourke was thrilled to put two points into Monaghan’s Spring account.

"Different teams are at different levels of preparation, but we wanted to get the win,” O’Rourke commented.

“Getting momentum built up at the start of the league is important. It just gives you that bit of breathing space rather than if you lose a couple of games early on. So we'll take the two points and move on.

"The second half was going to be a test of character, but the boys stood up very well to it. We had to fight hard to hold onto the lead, but we did that and we're delighted to have got the two points."

That is precisely what Cavan will be looking for this weekend with McGleenan hoping that his team don’t give away too many turnovers which was an issue when Dublin defeated them.

"I felt we made fundamental errors, we missed some good scoring chances at key moments in the game, we gave away some cheap kick passes at times, but Dublin teach you and Dublin punish you,” McGleenan stated.

"Their movement off the ball, their running, their scoring, absolutely class. That's why they're All-Ireland champions and they're the benchmark, and that's what we're aiming for."

A tasty tussle with the neighbours offers Cavan an opportunity, but Monaghan will be equally aware of what another victory would mean too.

MONAGHAN: Rory Beggan; Fintan Kelly, Drew Wylie, Ryan Wylie; Kieran Duffy, Neil McAdam, Colin Walshe; Darren Hughes, Kieran Hughes; Karl O'Connell, Shane Carey, Gavin Doogan; Conor McCarthy, Thomas Kerr, Conor McManus.