Robert Maloney-Derham has been sticking to a strict regime since breaking into the Cavan team.

The plight of the modern intercounty footballer can be unforgiving at times and the 22-year-old Cavan Gaels attacker told The Irish News that you simply have to follow the rules laid down by the team management.

Speaking ahead of Sunday's Ulster SFC opener against holders Donegal, he says:

"If you went into a game and you thought you were going to lose you shouldn't be going in to play the game.

"It's great to be involved. I'm a young fella and it's great to be playing for your county. They're a great bunch of lads. Everyone's very committed and the training's very intense.

"I'm really enjoying being part of it, but it's a change. You have to change the way you go about your life in general.

"Saturday nights and the lads want to go out you have to say 'no, I've got training in the morning'. Or everyone's getting take-out and you have to stick to your diet.

"Overall, you have to look after yourself and that's a big change." Tweet

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