We didn’t start Michael Murphy keeper rumour but we know who did - Jim McGuinness

Jim McGuinness expects Michael Murphy’s return to the fold against Armagh to now put paid to previous rumours that the 2012 All-Ireland captain was back to play in goals. 

Under the Football Rules Committee’s (FRC) new direction, the role of the goalkeeper has come in for some real scrutiny. 

A roving approach can give the middle sector a 12 versus 11 overload and Murphy, some speculated, would take up that spot at the expense of Shaun Patton. 

Ethan Rafferty - prior to last Sunday - was receiving plenty of attention for the way Armagh were taking advantage of the new rules. 

But with Donegal tagging the Orchard goalkeeper throughout, his impact was minimal in MacCumhaill Park in a 0-21 to 1-10 victory for Jim McGuinness’ side. 

Murphy, who stepped out of retirement over the winter, finally made his competitive return on 44 minutes and by full-time he’d helped himself to three points and possibly the game’s highlight moment with a one-handed mark around the middle of the field. 

He was also central to the game’s major talking point when Aidan Forker lost the plot and decided to dunt Murphy in the chest with his head as the Donegal talisman entered the fray. 

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The Armagh man was subsequently dismissed as Donegal cantered to a third straight NFL win on the bounce. 

Pressed after whether Murphy’s cameo finally puts to rest those previous goalkeeper whispers, McGuinness said: “We didn’t start that rumour, I don’t know where it came from.

“Well, I do know where it came from but they were way off the mark.”