COLM COOPER has sent an ominous warning to Kerry’s rivals by claiming that David Clifford could still get better.
Having been named Footballer of the Year in 2022 and 2023, Clifford’s performance levels dipped last season as his side’s All-Ireland SFC bid ended at the semi-final stage.
But the fantastic form of the 26-year-old forward has been crucial to the Kingdom’s run to this weekend’s last-four showdown with Tyrone.
Cooper said: “To me, he seems revitalised this year. He seems hungry. Mentally he’s probably in a stronger place. He’s living up to the hype and he’s living up to the expectations.
“And I think there’s more under the bonnet. I think there’s more to come.”
Clifford, who led Fossa to All-Ireland junior success in January 2023, lost his mother Ellen following an illness later that year.
And Kerry legend Cooper said: “I think he got a little bit drained from the season where his club, Fossa, went on to Croke Park and he was dealing with the passing of his mom.
“It was a difficult time for him but he looks to be really enjoying his football again. He’s hungry and he seems to be in excellent shape as well.
“I’m not surprised that he’s at that level.
“Look, there’s the odd bad day thrown in as well, which shows that he’s human and which is the same as every other player in the country.
“We’re just lucky that he’s in Kerry and he’s performing at such a high level. I think he’s beginning to mature as well as a footballer.
“He’s making other players better around him.
“His ability has never been in question — he can do anything — but I think he’s making the team a better team now as well.”
Clifford bagged a hat-trick against Cavan as Kerry set up a quarter-final clash with Armagh.
The Championship’s top scorer then racked up 0-7 from play as the All-Ireland champions were dethroned. Asked if he thinks Clifford will get better, 2004 Footballer of the Year Cooper said: “Potentially, yes. I think you get better with maturity and experience.
“You just learn more about yourself and your game and your team-mates.
“Is he midway through his career at the moment, if he stays healthy? Probably staying healthy is the most important thing.
“I think there’s potentially more there.”
Clifford was widely seen as Cooper’s heir when he made his Kerry senior debut less than a week removed from his 19th birthday.
But fellow Killarney resident Cooper said: “I have casual chats with him but he’s a very level, grounded fella anyway. I don’t think there’s too much he needs from me in terms of advice.
“I’m like everyone else. I sit back in the stand and admire and gasp at some of the stuff he does.
“As long as he keeps doing it, we’ll all stay happy.”
