Crozier's side go into the crucial clash with the Farney men knowing that the remainder of their season rests on a positive result. The Ballymaguigan clubman is hoping for a repeat of his side's impressive victory over Armagh at the same venue at the same stage last year.

Derry have an excellent record down the years in the qualifiers and have been dubbed the 'kings of the back door' with 15 wins out of 19 but Crozier maintains their record will have no bearing on the game and he knows they face a difficult test against Monaghan.

Massive game

"It's a massive game for us, it's do or die for us now," he said. "Monaghan is a tough draw at this stage but I suppose it's never really going to be easy in the qualifiers. Ourselves and Monaghan were expected to get to the Ulster Final but it never really worked out that way.

"Any Ulster team can beat any other Ulster team. Both teams have been given another chance and we have to make the most of it or our season comes to a very quick end.

"We can hope for a repeat of last year's first round qualifier against Armagh. It's a home venue for Monaghan but it would be great to have a sizeable Derry support at Clones - the kind of crowd that turned out last year against Armagh.

"I don't know what went wrong against Fermanagh whether it was complacency, I'm not sure but I do know that we have to up our performance on Saturday."

Both sides met in last year's Ulster semi-final with Monaghan winning by two points and Crozier insists they need to be at their best if they are to avenge that defeat and keep their All Ireland hopes alive.

Influential midfielder Fergal Doherty was a significant absentee during this year's shock Ulster semi-final defeat to Fermanagh and his return to the panel this weekend will provide a major boost for Crozier.

Extra in midfield

"Fergal's one of the best midfielders in the country and he will give us that extra bit in midfield. But we're missing a few players through injury. Sean Marty Lochart, Joe Keenan, Michael McGoldrick and Barry Gillis are all out but I suppose that's what panels are for and we''ll announce the team on Saturday."

Meanwhile, Derry minor football manager Niall Conway has left his post, revealing poor support from the Derry County Board as reasons for his departure.

The Ballinderry clubman admitted that he "felt let down" by county officials after not providing the funds requested for a weekend away for his team before the start of the Championship as well as money for training gear.