By Michael McMullan and Shaun Casey

JIM McGuinness feels Armagh’s defeat in Roscommon will add an “extra dimension” to his side’s trip to the Box-IT Athletic Grounds on Sunday.

Donegal have the maximum six points after a third victory saw them top Division One.

With the Dr McKenna Cup also tucked away, the Ulster champions are already casting an eye over the defence of their title against Down.

McGuinness insists the league focus was always the same – to develop youth and deepen the squad, while seeking points on the board.

“That’s what the next four games are about as well,” McGuinness said after Sunday’s win in Letterkenny.

“If we win games, we win games but we’re very close if not there in terms of safety now.

“We just want to keep doing the same things, hopefully look at other players, hopefully look at other tactical things between now and the end of the league.

“We’re also conscious about the fact that Down are winning every week as well,” he added of their championship opponents.

“All of this is for that game; all of this is to get ready for that match and try and be try and be in the best place possible with the most depth available for that game.”

Their league run-in begins with their visit to Armagh on Sunday and McGuinness feels McGeeney’s side losing last weekend will have an impact on the Orchard County focus.

“That’s going to add an extra dimension to that game,” he said of Sunday. “You’re not going to get anything easy up there, that’s for sure. We’ve played many games we’ve played now (against Armagh) in the last number of years, but it’s always been a point (margin) or a draw.

“That’s what we’ll be planning for during the week. I’m sure that’s what we’ll be expecting and hopefully we can bring a good level, going away from home.”