ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP Live on Radio Ulster MW, BBC2 NI and this website

Clerkin says Monaghan are "looking beyond" the Clones clash to a prolonged run in this year's championship.

Monaghan shocked Armagh in the preliminary round last year but then lost to Down at the next stage.

"We're looking for good consistent performances. We know beating Armagh last year wasn't a one-off," he says.

Queen's student Clerkin wasn't involved in last year's shock but he has been selected at centre half-back for Sunday's game.

He says preparations for the match have been excellent with the Monaghan players super-fit after regular stamina-building sessions on Bettystown beach in county Meath.

Clerkin's own time management in recent weeks has been tricky, what with his exams in Belfast but thanks to some flexibility from his lecturers, he has been able to fit in his footballing requirements.

"We've been up and down those sand dunes at Bettystown so many times and I hope that I don't have to encounter them again for a while," he laughs.

"We were also out in Portugal for a week and got in some great work, not just in terms of team bonding but you also get a lot of good training in when you are together for that length of time."

If anybody thinks it's going to be a stroll for Armagh, then come and see and you will get a surprise Dick Clerkin

Clerkin is fully aware that most fans and pundits don't expect a repeat of last year's result.

"Everybody is saying that last year was a bit of a one-hit wonder for us but the boys are relishing the challenge and really eager to prove everyone wrong."

Clerkin insists that there is major self-belief within the Monaghan squad.

"We're keeping our own brand of football and not getting bogged down with the blanket defence kind of approach.

"Last year, maybe too much emphasis was placed on the Armagh game and we fell on our faces against Down.

"We're trying to look beyond that kind of approach this year."

It's a wise policy because win or lose on Sunday, Monaghan will have at least one other championship game which means that victory or defeat at Clones should be greeted in a measured manner.

"We are capable of beating any team on our day.