Durcan happy with new dimension

Donegal goalkeeper Paul Durcan admits his team may have deserved some of the criticism they endured last year for playing negative football.

The Four Masters man believes they have added more of an attacking dynamic to their game this season but is aware their approach wasn’t everyone’s cup of tea in 2011.

He said: “People had the right not to be happy with the way we were playing at times.

“We did need to bring a bit of forward play in and I hope we’ve done that this year and it is a better game to watch.

“We’re a team in transition trying to work out a way to play so I think the supporters will be happy enough with another Ulster final.”

For one, Durcan’s kick-out strategy is a lot more varied this year even if he resorted to some short restarts against Tyrone on Saturday.

“The game has developed a bit and you’re trying to get a few runners going forward and it is that bit easier at times to build from the back.

“It’s a big difference from last year.”

Durcan was called on to save Donegal three minutes from time when he managed to deny Martin Penrose an equalising goal.

“I got the toe to it! Penrose hit the ball well so I was lucky to get something on it. It hit the post and came back across behind me. I think Colm Cavanagh just missed it then, he nearly stuck it in. We were lucky but it would have been hugely disappointing to end up drawing.”

Down will provide a different challenge to Tyrone in July 22’s Ulster final and Durcan is wary of the Benny Coulter factor.

“You saw the point he stuck over when he came on the last day. The whole second-half they were strong at midfield and in defence.

Though Donegal are bidding to become the first team in the county’s history to retain an Ulster SFC title, he reckons they will be able to enjoy the build-up to the decider as opposed to 2011.

“We’re looking forward to the three weeks of training for the Ulster final. It’s something we’re not used to really.

“Last year, it was hard to enjoy because it was so intense but I think we’ll have to enjoy it a bit more this year.”