Expectation abounds for the young Kerryman who appeared above and beyond his station in last year's All-Ireland minor final.
Having been the apparent target of many sides in Australia undoubtedly impressed with his incredible skills set and size, David Clifford is now set to make hit breakthrough with the Kerry Senior side.
@Kerry_Official TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT VS @officialdonegal - Allianz Football League - Division 1, Round 1 2018 pic.twitter.com/9tldjNxHlF
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) January 26, 2018
In a full-forward line alongside Paul Geaney and Barry John Keane, Éamonn Fitzmaurice clearly believes that the young forward from Fossa is up to the task of senior football.
The scorer of an incredible 4-04 as Kerry romped to victory in last year's minor final, Clifford will be unquestionably the one to watch in what is a Kerry side boasting some formerly impressive minors throughout.
Across the side Fitzmaurice has chosen to go with for the opening weekend of the National League, interest will also turn toward the goalkeeping selection; the Crokes man Shane Murphy being tipped as a possible solution to what has been a long-running problem for Kerry football.
The selection for this opening match responds to a call Tomás Ó Sé had made earlier today that Kerry needed to prepare for the future now:
A lot of people weren't happy at the way Kerry exited the championship last year against Mayo, so we need to blood some of these youngsters now.
[However], we have to be patient. Eamonn Fitzmaurice has to be patient, even the likes of David Clifford has to be patient.
I would also look at the likes of Sean O'Shea, Jason Foley, Shane Murphy in goal and Jack Barry. So there, you have a third of a team that could put up their hands for championship football.
With so many exciting prospects set to take on Declan Bonner's Donegal, Kerry will be hoping that they can set in motion a side capable of dealing with the dominant Dubs.
