Joyce McMullin: Sweeper deployment is key to Donegal’s chances in Kerry

Donegal are quite capable of beating Kerry in Killarney - but they might need to use a sweeper to do so and tighten up their defence.

Declan Bonner’s side managed quite well in the absence of their injured talisman Michael Murphy in their precious win over Kildare at the weekend.

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The St Naul's clubman has been a fixture in the No 3 jersey for Donegal in 2022

Those are the firm thoughts of All-Ireland 1992 winner Joyce McMullin as Bonner’s men had a “huge victory” over Kildare at the weekend, winning on a 2-11 to 1-9 scoreline.

“It was a good win and a much- needed win over Kildare and Donegal got the goals at a good time and they saw it out and it was vital that they did so,” Four Masters clubman McMullin said.

“It is always of concern when Michael Murphy goes off and Donegal also lost Jason McGee who was playing well. But they managed well when Michael went off as he is not going to be around forever, but it would be important that he is on the field in Killarney as this will be a different test.

“Sunday was a huge win as you would not want to be going down to Kerry with just one point. Kerry seems to be the real deal at this point in time, but the real truth will be told about Dublin later on. Kerry are really impressive in attack which is where we are at our most vulnerable.

“The defence did reasonably well against Kidare and they are all very good from an attacking point of view, but I don’t think we have anyone who can go one on one on David Clifford and Co and that is no disrespect to anyone that is playing for Donegal.

“I just think that we will need some sort of sweeper against Kerry because if we don’t, they could cut through us. They do a lot of good accurate kick passing into their forwards who have great first touch.

“It is a big challenge going down there for Donegal and it is a good challenge as it will really tell them a lot about themselves”.

So, can Donegal pull off a win in the Kingdom on Sunday week?

“Donegal are capable of getting a result if they defend fairly well and don’t give Clifford and Co too much space,” McMullin added. “But they will just have to be more defensive than they are at present.

“They are streaming forward and are good at that and we have some great forwards, but I just think the way Kerry are at the moment, we will need some sort of a sweeping system to deal with them. If we leave ourselves open and go man for man ,we won’t beat them in a shoot- out.

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“So, we are capable of getting a result for sure but Kerry and the world and his mother will be expecting them to win. But that is all good for Donegal. who should go down and give it a good rattle and it will tell them where they are at.

“We went a long spell on Sunday without even a shot at goal and you can’t do that against Kerry as they will just wear you down and punish you for it”.