Donegal boss Jim McGuinness will use the Dr McKenna Cup as a trial for the panel’s fringe members before the Allianz League.

Jim McGuinness will assemble a largely new backroom team with Donegal’s senior footballers following the news Rory Gallagher and two other members have departed the set-up.

The night Chelsea defeated Barcelona in the Champions’ League semi-final second leg, Jim McGuinness watched on TV from his home in Creeslough with a grin on his face as Roberto Di Matteo’s unorthodox tactics unfolded.

THE players’ lounge underneath Croke Park’s Hogan Stand has been open for business for five years now and rarely will two sets of players have had as much to talk about as those from Laois and Donegal after tomorrow’s match.

Applications for the vacant position of Donegal senior football manager closed last night and there are a total of six men in the running to succeed Brian McIver.