Michael Murphy’s injury means it’s time for Donegal’s young guns to step up.
That’s the view of 1992 All-Ireland winner Sylvester Maguire as the Tirs prepare to take on Armagh in a make-or-break NFL tie at the Athletic Grounds on Saturday.
Maguire does not believe Donegal will risk Murphy’s reported hamstring injury this weekend and he won’t rule out the possibility of the Tir Conaill captain not being risked until the Preliminary Round of the Ulster Championship in Newry at the end of June.
“I would be surprised if Michael Murphy kicks another ball in the NFL,”said Maguire.
“We have a big strong team who have been around for quite some time and it is time they started squaring the shoulder and standing up as leaders.
“I thought Niall O’Donnell and Oisin Gallen did this very well in the second half against Monaghan along with Patrick McBrearty.”
Maguire added: The League is running straight into the Ulster Championship. I think Donegal will mind him and he will mind himself.”
On Saturday they face an improving Armagh side who will remember the hammering they got in Breffni Park last year.
“Armagh are a big strong side and are playing Kieran McGeeney type football,” added Maguire.
“They are in great physical shape and are well tuned – but when it came to the crunch against Tyrone, they did not have it.
“This Donegal team has been around for a long time and have played at high levels and have a very strong bench and you would just think they would have a bit too much for Armagh.”
