The Gooch says David Clifford's performance levels are only going to continue on upwards

COLM COOPER believes that the best is yet to come from a “revitalised” David Clifford, who he says is only beginning to mature as a footballer.

- By PAT NOLAN

Clifford is the Championship's top scorer, 21 points clear of his teammate Sean O'Shea, with 7-44 from his seven games so far, including 0-7 in the demolition of reigning champions Armagh in the All-Ireland quarterfinal having recorded 3-7 against Cavan the previous weekend.

If he maintains something close to that form for the remainder of the Championship, he'll be in line to win the Footballer of the Year award for the third time at the age of just 26, leaving him just one short of fellow countyman Jack O'Shea's record of four.

Former Kerry star Cooper says that the Fossaman is now starting to elevate his game to a new level as his innate ability and experience merges.

“To me he seems revitalised this year,” said the Gooch.

“He seems hungry. Mentally I think he's in a stronger place. I think he got a little drained, he had a season (2023) there where Fossa went to Croke Park and dealing with the passing of his mam, it was a difficult time for him but he looks to be really enjoying his football again.

“He's hungry and seems to be in excellent shape.

“The odd off-day is thrown in as well, which shows he's human, the same as every other player in the country. We're just lucky he's in Kerry and he's performing at such a high level.