Michael Murphy spearheading Donegal's surge for Sam - Diarmuid Connolly

Six-time All-Ireland winner Diarmuid Connolly has singled out Donegal as the team to beat as the Senior Football Championship reaches the semi-final stage this weekend.

A resurgent Meath side lie in wait for Donegal on Sunday, but the former Dublin talisman believes Michael Murphy’s influence could drive Jim McGuinness’ men past the Royal County and onto All-Ireland glory.

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“I watched Michael Murphy very closely against Monaghan,” Connolly said. “He probably didn’t feature too much in the first half, but when they really needed a leader to stand up, he was the guy. He wanted the ball and any time he had it, he made something happen. He’s their spiritual leader on the pitch as well as their physical one.

“He'll be tightly marked this weekend and he’s such a focal point if he starts inside, but he’s so big and so mobile he can go and play anywhere. When he has the ball it’s very hard to get it off him and the fact he’s their top scorer in the Championship says everything you need to know about the measure of the guy.

“Donegal are a superb team from front to back and with what they have to come off the bench, they should have too much for Meath. We’ve been writing Meath off at our peril all year, but Donegal are so good on the counter attack – they can soak up pressure, get turnovers and launch the ball into the attackers. Peadar Mogan has been a standout player, but Finnbarr Roarty at cornerback has been a revelation.

“For me, Donegal have been building this for the last couple of years and they’re the team for the All-Ireland.”

 Diarmuid Connolly was speaking exclusively to BOYLE Sports as Gaelic Games ambassador ahead of the All-Ireland SFC Semi Finals.