McGuinness expecting an interesting afternoon for Donegal in the Hyde

By Michael McMullan

DONEGAL manager Jim McGuinness is expecting an “interesting” game when they travel to Roscommon for Sunday’s penultimate game in Division One.

Having dropped just one point, in their draw with Galway, Donegal could clinch a spot in the league final with victory this weekend.

Speaking ahead of their visit of Galway, McGuinness was full of praise for the Rossies’ comeback to beat the Tribesmen.

“I think Roscommon are the story, to be honest with you, they’re the big story at the moment in the country,” he said.

“I think a lot of people didn’t give them much hope coming into the season and probably not a lot of respect either.”

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McGuinness remarked how Mark Dowd’s side could’ve salvaged at least a draw against Kerry when they were chinned by Tomás Kennedy’s buzzer beater in Killarney.

“It will be an interesting game whenever we get that far, to the Hyde,” he remarked of Sunday’s game.

Donegal won their first four games of the season and have the Dr McKenna Cup tucked away.

There were a number of enforced changes after injuries to Oisín Gallen, Ciarán Moore and Shane O’Donnell.

Dáire Ó Baoill, Ciarán Thompson and Shaun Patton are also still on the way back from injury, the latter having not played since St Eunan’s were knocked out of the championship.

There was a return for Michael Murphy who made his 194th senior appearance for Donegal.

McGuinness has gone on record as saying Murphy doesn’t travel to the away games.

Should Donegal reach the league and Ulster finals, Murphy could potentially make his 200th senior appearance on Ulster final day.

There will be plenty of permutations, none more so that Down in the Ulster Championship.

Conor Laverty’s men can now take a deep look at the championship have secured promotion from Division Three with two games to spare.

For Donegal, Sunday in Roscommon is another chance for those in the squad to stake a claim for both a championship starting berth.