Eoghan Ban Gallagher could be in line for Donegal return against Tyrone  

Eoghan Ban Gallagher could be set for a return to the Donegal match-day 26 on Saturday evening ahead of the side’s All-Ireland group stage opener with Tyrone in Ballybofey. 

The experienced Killybegs man missed the team’s entire Ulster SFC campaign after picking up a hamstring injury. 

However, it’s understood he’s back moving well and once again involved in full training with the group at their training base in Convoy. 

The news on Shaun Patton isn’t as clear, with the Donegal goalkeeper rolling an ankle in the Ulster final win over Armagh. 

The St Eunan’s man sustained the injury during the regulation 70 minutes and received intensive treatment on the sideline prior to extra-time. 

He played through the pain barrier there and, in the end, helped Donegal retain the Anglo Celt crown.

However, he did board the bus out of Clones wearing a protective boot on the aggravated ankle. The hope for Donegal supporters now is that the fortnight’s respite in between will have seen that swelling subside. 

Closing in on that last extra-time whistle, the possibility of another penalty shootout being needed to split the teams almost became a reality. 

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Pressed immediately after on whether or not Patton would have been able to take part in that, McGuinnesss admitted that was a real concern at the time. 

“I was a wee bit worried, yeah. His gloves were off and it wasn't looking good for a while. 

“He rolled his ankle there, so he did. That would have affected his mobility, but yeah. I think he would have been alright”.  

Michael Murphy, Ryan McHugh, Brendan McCole and Peadar Mogan, all cramp victims late on in St Tiernach’s Park, should also be good to go. 

CCCC

Meanwhile, Donegal GAA has confirmed it has received no official correspondence from the Central Competitions Control Committee in relation to the scenes that marred the ending of the Ulster SFC final.

The CCCC met for a second time on Monday night to see if sufficient evidence existed to apportion blame and, indeed, sanctions. 

However, at the time of going to print on Wednesday afternoon, nothing had yet landed in any inbox at the Donegal GAA Training Centre in Convoy. 

Even if that was to change between now and the weekend, it would be unlikely to affect either Donegal or Armagh’s playing options ahead of their respective home clashes with Tyrone and Derry as both could exercise an immediate right to appeal.