Donegal progress to Nickey Rackard final but do have defensive concerns 

Donegal manager Mickey McCann has some work to do before June 3 in Croke Park, after this patchy performance against Louth in O’Donnell Park secured passage through to another Nickey Rackard Cup final. 

For 15 wides and giving away four goals does give some cause for concern even though his side were much the better side for long periods. 

“We had spells in both halves for 15 minutes where we were good and in control and went nine up in the first half and switched off,” he explained after their 2-19 to 4-7 victory over the Wee County. 

“The goals we gave away were disappointing and we looked vulnerable at the back, and it is not like us as through the League we have been very solid in defence. 

“I just think any time we get in a comfortable position we just switch off and it was the same in Roscommon last week. 

“It is something that needs to be addressed and we will address it but it’s hard, the body language, we looked tired, we got five subs on there. We are not that happy with it.” 

But it was the manner in which Louth got the space that was most alarming. 

“I am not sure how Louth got all that space and we will look at it on the video, but they did have space and I think our half forward line tired a bit too and their half backs went up attacking us. 

“We just did not track them and they were very physical and good in the air and they go at you. We have a lot to fix but at the same time that is what you want going into a final.” 

The potential loss of the outstanding Declan Coulter to a severe thumb injury is a big blow and McCann was not happy with how it was not dealt with. 

“It was a dirty shot on Declan and he was in great pain and it was not even a card and I had a great view of it. I thought it could possibly a red card and Declan’s season could be over. 

“It was the edge of the stick and Declan could have a broken thumb. He would be a massive loss and we are just hoping that he does not have a broken thumb.” 

He added that new keeper Dylan Lafferty was thrown in at the deep end. 

“Our keeper Luke White was injured and it was a baptism of fire for Dylan and a tough ask. 

“He got the call against Sligo and was very good and he made a few week mistakes today, but we still won.” 

On Ruairi Campbell’s wonder goal McCann said he had been shouting at him to use that pace. 

“He has great pace, and he has got to use it more and it is up to us to coach it into him more but if it opens up for him, he would be very hard to catch.” 

But the expertise and experience of Danny Cullen was vital in this victory. 

“Danny settled things down and he got two points as well and it is good to get him back into the fray again. And he would not want to miss out on Croke Park.” 

And McCann still has Ritchie Ryan, Jack O’Loughlin, Sean Ward and Oisin Marley as pretty strong alternatives for the final. 

“We have a few boys to come back in and apart from the goals, we were pretty solid and there were a couple of goals against Roscommon towards the end that were a bit concerning. 

“And we hit fifteen wides and we took the wrong option and shooting from tight angles.”