Donegal handed massive double boost ahead of Monaghan clash

Donegal have named their starting XV for Saturday’s All-Ireland Round 3 SFC encounter with Monaghan at Healy Park and there is some really big team news as well as a welcome and experienced addition to the substitutes bench. 

Captain Patrick McBrearty has been named to start against the Farney men having come into the action late on against Derry, while the other big news is that Paul Brennan has also returned from his long injury lay off and is amongst the substitutes. 

Stephen McMenamin has been brought back into the starting line up while Odhran Doherty, who started from the off against the Oak Leafers but had to come ashore due to injury, is held in reserve this time out. 

The big blow for the side is that Jason McGee - who also limped out of the fray against Derry - isn't fit enough to even be named on the bench. 

Shaun Patton; Mark Curran, Brendan McCole, Caolan McColgan; Caolan Ward, Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Stephen McMenamin; Caolan McGonagle, Hugh McFadden; Daire Ó Baoill, Jamie Brennan, Ciaran Thompson; Patrick McBrearty, Oisin Gallen, Conor O’Donnell. 

The subs bench is as follows: Gavin Mulrainey, Brian O’Donnell, Odhran Doherty, Jeaic Mac Ceallbhuí, John Ross Molloy, Luke McGlynn, Johnny McGroddy, Joel Bradley Walsh, Dylan Dorrian, Rory O’Donnell, Paul Brennan.