Dublin legend Diarmuid Connolly believes the All-Ireland Final is the perfect stage for David Clifford to showcase his talent as Kerry prepare to face Galway in the decider at Croke Park.

The Fossa man has played a starring role in Kerry’s run to the final and will start Sunday’s showdown the odds-on favourite to be crowned Senior Football Championship Player of the Year.

“Some may say David Clifford had a quiet enough day in the semi-final,” said Connolly “But he still scored six and every time he got the ball in his hands, he looked like he was going to do something dangerous. This match-up will be key for Galway, because if Clifford gets going, he could put 1-6 or 1-7 on the board in a short space of time. I think man of the match has him written all over it. He’s the stand-out guy in this Kerry team and the All-Ireland Final is made for him.”

Connolly has also warned Galway that nullifying Clifford may not be enough if they are to get their hands on Sam Maguire for the first time since 2001.

“You have to look at Paudie too, who was man of the match against Dublin,” he added. “It’ll probably be Sean Kelly or Liam Silke picking up David Clifford, but you can’t just focus on one guy, because the rest of them will start playing ball. The fact Kerry are hot favourites is justified.

“Connor Gleeson will have to get the ball off quickly to put pressure on the Kerry midfield and half forward line. If they go short, Kerry could just swamp them and that’s not what Galway need. They need quick balls into Damien Comer to get those scores.

“If they start well, then Comer and Walsh, as well as Cillian McDaid and Paul Conroy in the middle of the park, are the lynchpins who will drive them forward. Comer was a beast against Derry, he’s top of the ground at the minute and he’ll take a bit of watching.

“Tom O’Sullivan will probably mark Shane Walsh and he’s a tenacious man-marker, so Walsh will have it all to do.”