Peter Canavan makes bold Michael Murphy-led Donegal prediction
Jim McGuinness’ side maintained their unbeaten start to the NFL after defeating Armagh in Ballybofey by 0-21 to 1-10 on Sunday afternoon
Peter Canavan believes Donegal with Michael Murphy back in tow are now favourites to land the All-Ireland title.
Jim McGuinness’ side maintained their unbeaten start to the NFL after defeating Armagh in Ballybofey by 0-21 to 1-10 on Sunday afternoon.
In a game which saw 2012 All-Ireland winning captain Murphy land three points on his introduction Canavan, on the Sunday Game, says the current Division 1 pace-setters look even more formidable with their talisman back in the ranks.
"It was as good a performance as I have seen from Donegal in a long time," the Tyrone legend explained.
"There were many that predicted that these rules wouldn’t suit Donegal, they would have to change the way they do things, but today it was back to the good old Donegal, defending in numbers and the hunger to turn over possession.
"Whenever the build-up was slow and they couldn’t counter-attack with Armagh defending zonally, around the 40-metre arc, it didn’t faze Donegal. Take the bodies to one side, leave space on the other.
"They can play it either way. If teams get the bodies back and the build-up is slow, they are very comfortable with fast hands, giving it to the right man in the right position, runners coming off the shoulder. They were a delight to watch and won the game at their ease."
On Murphy’s impact, he added: "He is such a player to come back in. They were going rightly without him.
“You have got to put them right up there now as favourites for the All-Ireland. That’s the stage they are at."