Three major matches for Derry this week

On Wednesday March 10, Celtic Park is the venue for the eagerly awaited Ulster under 21 football championship game between Derry and Tyrone. The winner is expected to have a big say in the final outcome.

On Sunday Derry manager Damien Cassidy did not risk starting any of his under 21 men on the senior team against Kerry. James Kielt, Caolan O'Boyle and Declan Mullan probably would have started but for this game and along with Carlus McWilliams. Declan Bell Gavin McGeehan, Oisin Duffy and Stephen Cleary will provide the backbone of the team.

Tyrone won the All Ireland minor title two years ago and they were regarded as one of the best minor sides of the last decade. Players like Peter Harte, Niall McKenna and Kyle Coney will spearhead what will be a considerable Tyrone challenge.

There are two clashes with Mayo one in hurling and one in football. New manager James O'Kane takes his side to Castlebar to take on mayo who have improved considerably in the small ball game over the past three year.

Not so long ago it would have been taken as read that Derry would come out on top but in recent years there has been little between the teams.

Derry suffered an opening loss to Kerry the division leaders but a week later bounced back with a 5-16 to 0-8 hammering of London at Watford. Their panel is being gradually strengthened and if they can carve out a victory at Castlebar they will be right back in the promotion chase. The decision of Liam Og Hinphey to concentrate on hurling has been a big plus for manager O'Kane.

The towering 25-year-old is among the top half dozen hurlers in Ulster and his presence at centre half has tightened up the Derry back line. The Dungiven duo of captain Kevin Hinphey and Mark Craig look strong at midfield.

In attack Paddy McCloskey hit four goals against London but he is unlikely to have the same amount of space in this game. Ace free taker Paddy Henry and flying winger Oisin McCloskey should give Derry enough bite in attack to get a result.

Its Saturday night under lights at Celtic Park for the national football League clash against Mayo. Both teams lost last week with Derry going under at Kerry and Mayo going under in somewhat surprise fashion to Dublin by a point.

Mayo have never won in any of their visits to Celtic Park but Derry have not been going well since that good opening win over Tyrone. Damien Cassidy is expected to freshen up his team and it will not be surprising to see the McGoldrick brothers and Declan Mullan on the starting fifteen.

It's a must win game for Derry who will be looking for a fourth straight win over John O'Mahoney's team.