Hi °C | Lo °C Paddy Crozier faces a busy schedule tomorrow. He takes charge of the Derry side that will face Down in the Ulster Under 21 football championship final at Casement Park (2.00) before dashing to Celtic Park where he will oversee the Oak Leaf county's important National Football League Division One clash with Tyrone (7.00).
It may form an onerous burden but the prospect of a double victory is a major spur for Crozier.
The manner, indeed, in which Derry buried Donegal's hopes at the semi-final stage has thrust them into pole position for the Under 21 title.
That win was highlighted by big performances from players like James Kielt, Enda Lynn, Mark Craig, Niall Holley and Sean Leo McGoldrick all of whom will again have key roles in tomorrow's provincial showdown.
Down have their share of luminaries at this level, too. Paul McComiskey's scoring exploits have underpinned their progress while Kevin McKernan's creative ability and Luke Howard's defensive skills have been other important elements to date.
Both teams possess a raft of players who have come through the Minor ranks and indeed a number have already acquired a measure of senior experience.
Even though Down beat Antrim and Tyrone to reach the final, Derry's eclipse of a Donegal side which had already beaten reigning champions Armagh at the first hurdle was a significant feat.
But manager Crozier is not putting too much emphasis on this as he prepares for what will be one of his busiest - and potentially most rewarding in terms of performances - days for some considerable time.
"This final is a whole new ball game. It could go right down to the wire," he points out.
