Donegal can salvage this NFL campaign - Frank McGlynn 

Frank McGlynn reckons Donegal can get matters back on track in the NFL with a win over Mayo in Ballybofey on Sunday. 

Kevin McStay’s men already have one foot firmly planted in the Division 1 decider after their victory over Connacht rivals Roscommon last time out. 

McGlynn insists that point, as well as the fact that Donegal’s record in MacCumhaill Park remains a formidable one, should mean that Sunday’s game will be a close and tight affair. And if Donegal can dig out a victory, their league fate will then rest completely on their subsequent and last league outing away to Roscommon. 

“It’s a massive game for Donegal,” he said. “Inside that camp, I’ve no doubt those players are doing everything they possibly can to make sure they put themselves in a position where they're going to Hyde Park the following week with their chances still alive.  

“They’ll be desperate to go to Roscommon with something still on the line. I think it’s still within this side’s grasp. I was up in the Athletic Grounds last time out and Donegal did some really good things in the second half. 

“Even against Galway in Letterkenny, it would have been very easy for Donegal at one stage to throw in the towel - especially in O’Donnell Park where our record isn’t great. I remember Eoghan ‘Ban’ chasing back and getting a turnover. We went straight up the field and got a score from it. The crowd really played its part on that occasion. 

“I’d still be optimistic enough about the whole thing. When you factor in that Mayo will be coming to Ballybofey perhaps with a league final spot more or less guaranteed, they might well make changes. We need to take advantage of that. League football by its nature, away from home, it’s always extra difficult for the team on the road”.

The Glenfin man travelled to the Athletic Grounds a fortnight ago and admits he was disappointed that few Donegal supporters decided to do the same. But he says the home support simply has to make its presence felt against Mayo.

“I really didn’t understand that. When you heard a Donegal cheer you kinda had to look around and see where it was coming from. Donegal have been really competitive in most of their games so far. 

“Granted, that second half away to Tyrone wasn’t good enough and we fell away against Monaghan in the last quarter. But it’s been nip and tuck for the most part and it was again against Armagh. 

“I do feel with a bit more confidence and a bit more noise with the crowd behind them - like they did against Kerry in MacCumhaill Park the first day out - I believe we can get the job done on Sunday. 

“Sometimes, when things just aren’t going your way you need that wee spark or push from the crowd. At this moment in time for Donegal, there is a real fine line between winning and losing. But Donegal are the home side on Sunday and we are always so hard to beat in Ballybofey”.