A win over Armagh would give Donegal crucial breathing space - Martin McHugh  

Martin McHugh says a third NFL victory on the bounce would leave Donegal in a great place in more ways than one. 

All-Ireland champions Armagh come to town on Sunday to renew a rivalry that really heated up once more in 2024. 

The Orchard men lost out on their opening night away to last season’s beaten All-Ireland finalists Galway. 

However, they bounced back in impressive fashion last time out to topple Tyrone at the Athletic Grounds. 

Having met three times last term alone, there will be an unavoidable edge in Ballybofey on Sunday. 

Donegal drew with Kieran McGeeney’s side in last season’s regulation Division 2 contest before edging the league decider at Croke Park. 

And it took a penalty shootout to separate the sides when they met in the Ulster SFC decider back in May. 

Martin McHugh, speaking alongside DonegalLive’s Conor Breslin and host Paddy McGill on the recent edition of the Donegal GAA Podcast, says a great deal of pressure would lift if Jim McGuinness' side can turn over the Sam Maguire holders at MacCumhaill Park. 

Donegal will open against Armagh without their two first-choice midfielders as Michael Langan, hamstring, joined Jason McGee, yet to appear this term, on the treatment table. 

Langan limped out of the 0-23 to 1-18 win over Kerry last Saturday and McHugh says the quicker Donegal cement their top-tier status the sooner they’ll be able to look towards April 7 and the visit of Derry in the Ulster SFC. 

“We need some of the injuries that we have to clear up,” said the 1992 All-Ireland winner. 

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“If we got two more points in the league, and that’s going to be a huge battle with Armagh, it would leave you close to safe and able to really start to prepare for Derry and championship. 

“I know it’s only mid-February and it’s only the league but Donegal have two encouraging wins under the belt against Dublin and Kerry. That bodes well. 

“So everyone now will immediately look forward to Armagh. That will be some crowd and some occasion. And that’s what Division 1 football brings every weekend, real challenges”.