Majority of Donegal absentees in contention for Cork returns 

Donegal boss Jim McGuinness says he expects to see most of his injured players back in contention for the NFL visit of Cork on Sunday. 

McGuinness’ side lost to Derry in the McKenna Cup final last Saturday evening in Omagh. However, with the side scheduled to open their NFL Division 2 campaign against the Rebels in Ballybofey this weekend, there is positive news in relation to the manager's walking wounded.  

Donegal were shy the services of the likes of Eoghan Ban Gallagher, Hugh McFadden, Brendan McCole, Jason McGee, Michael Langan, Conor O’Donnell and Caolan McColgan in that loss. 

Inishowen pair O’Donnell and McColgan are again likely to miss out as they ease themselves back from long-term injuries. However, the word on everyone else seems positive. 

“Brendan has just had some hamstring issues, he could probably have played against Derry. There is no tear, it was just a little tight. The rest are just small niggles that we didn’t want to aggravate.   

“Jason, again, is the same. He’d an impact injury out here against Tyrone, on the hip. And that impacted on the original knock which was a groin complaint. And it’s the same with Michael Langan.

“So we’ve just been careful with them, looked to build them up and try to make sure they’re ready”.