Murphy in race against time to face Cavan

Donegal captain Michael Murphy is responding well to medical treatment but remains a considerable doubt for the Ulster champions’ championship opener against Cavan in Breffni Park in a month’s time.

Murphy returned to the Dublin Sports Clinic in Santry at the weekend and boss Jim McGuinness said his inspirational skipper was making reasonable progress.

“The doctors are happy with his progress and he is healing well but has to go back in two weeks’ time for a further check up,” he said.

“At this stage it is far too early to say if he will be fit for the Cavan match or not. The game is only a little over a month away and maybe we will know more in a fortnight.”

Despite their recent victory over Armagh in his absence, Murphy remains Donegal’s chief scoring threat and the latest leg injury, which he sustained in a superb display against Dublin, is a cause for concern.

Elsewhere Donegal’s top defender Karl Lacey and impressive corner-back Declan Walsh picked up hamstring injuries and had to leave the field before the end of last weekend’s series of club matches. But it’s believed the injuries are slight strains as opposed to an outright tear.

Neil Gallagher is suffering from an Achilles injury but is expected back training in a week or two.

“It is a similar story with Karl and Declan,” said McGuinness.

McGuinness also confirmed new faces will join the panel after the return of all-action defender Barry Dunnion last week. “I have spoken to a number of players tied up with exams but I hope to have a few additions in the next week or so.”