Gallagher keen to protect Donegal scalp in Armagh

EOGHAN ‘Ban’ Gallagher says Donegal have to meet the Armagh challenge head on this Sunday.

The sides have a good rivalry and their games are always well-contested. Armagh have lost their last two games but they will be pumped up for this weekend’s encounter.

The Orchard County need points and with the game looking close to a sell-out, it should be a noisy BOX-IT Athletic Grounds.

“Yeah they will be hopping off us,” said the Killybegs man. “They will be mad to beat us.

“In the last two Ulster finals, we have beaten them so they will be coming to take our scalp so to speak but we have to meet that head on.

“There’s very, very little between us. Armagh are always strong and competitive and tough.

“I’m sure it will be more of the same on Sunday.”

Gallagher sat out the first two McKenna Cup games and he didn’t see any minutes against Kerry either.

There have been general wear and tear issues in recent years but he feels he’s getting back to himself now and was excellent in the win over Mayo.

“I just had a wee bit of a niggle but it was nothing serious.

“I’m happy enough. The body is starting to clear up now so I’m just looking forward to the next few matches.

“We’re training hard and there’s games coming back to back to back.

“That’s the good thing about the National League. Everyone wants to be playing games.

“There’s plenty of boys putting their hands up for places. I thought Conor McCahill was exceptional against Mayo. He was very patient and was good when he got the ball.

“Shea Malone has been outstanding whenever he has started. You can see the squad is starting to get stronger again.”

With four rounds of league fixtures to go, Donegal are in a good place as they top the table.

There’s likely to be some rotation in the coming weeks but Gallagher is still eyeing up victories and a place in the league final in Croke Park at the end of March.

“We want to win every game. Every player who gets an opportunity will want to put their hand up so that they can try and get a place come the championship.

“I think Jim (McGuinness) said in the media last week that every player is going to get a chance and you feel that in training.

“Everyone is pushing hard to make the most of the chance that they get.

“We want to keep winning our games and if we do that we will be in the league final.”