THE ruthlessness that Donegal showed last weekend was one of the things that pleased former county star Damian Diver.

The Ardara man, who played county football for over a decade, said that while the win over Down in last weekend’s Ulster Championship was one-sided, there were things to learn.

“It was good to see them put a team away. They didn’t just defend a lead.

“They kept going for the jugular.”

On the other hand, Diver said that there were some areas to be worried about.

“I would be a little bit worried about how they let Down in for goals. We were open at the back. I think they could do with a man marker.”

Diver noticed that Barry O’Hagan was able to get a lot of key scores in the game, and that’s why he thinks Donegal could use a player to shut down that sort of threat.

Another issue that came out of the game was Michael Murphy’s early retirement from the match due to injury.

“I thought they might have rested him for the game. They could have took a chance and gave him a few more weeks of rest. I just don’t like the way that he pulled up.”

Were Donegal to lose Murphy for the foreseeable then it would be a serious issue for the county.

“There are a pile of good players on the team. There are plenty of scoring threats. What Michael does is take one of the other teams best markers out of the game. If he is not there then the opposition is freer to spread their men out.”

Yet there was a lot more to be positive about.

“Ryan McHugh looks to be back to his best,” Diver said.

“I thought the midfield was very good going forward. I thought they created a lot of scores. They have a good system of play in place.

“Paddy McBrearty had a great game, so did Jamie Brennan.

“But Paddy McBrearty is really in the sort of form where he is just like ‘give me the ball’.”

Next up for Donegal is Derry in just over a weeks time.

Derry played their football in division three this year, while Down were in division two, yet Diver said Donegal need to be prepared.

“Derry are a big strong team. Rory (Gallagher) will have them fully fired up for it. Donegal have beaten Derry in the championship before so they won’t lack for motivation.”

29 May 2021; Paddy McBrearty of Donegal during the Allianz Football League Division 1 North Round 3 match between Armagh and Donegal at the Athletic Grounds in Armagh. Photo by Piaras Ó MídheachSportsfile