Wherity likes the ‘crazy’ odds on Donegal surprising Dublin

Ross Wherity is prepared to put his money where his mouth is and back his native Donegal to deliver a stunning surprise win over Dublin.

The New York footballer, who left the panel to work in the Big Apple last year, is attracted by the generous 7/1 odds available on his county reaching a second All-Ireland final in three years.

“The odds are crazy. It was the same for ourselves in New York when we played Mayo but we don’t have the same set-up or same level of resources such as players. Jim McGuinness is such a detailed manager there’s little change anything about this game will have escaped him. 7/1 is just crazy — I’ll be getting some of that action!

“It’s difficult to know what way Jim is going to approach it. I know he’ll say he won’t the blanket over them but traditionally that’s the way he has done it, bringing back two sweepers. He will be more confident in the way they can move the ball forward than they were able three years ago.”

Wherity, who will assess his options when he returns home at Christmas, currently has a contract with a financial company in the city. He’ll watch Sunday’s game either in a friend’s house — “he has GAAGo” — or in Woodside with other ex-pats.

It’s occasions like this that make him yearn to be back with the panel, one where he may needed more next season if, as expected, a raft of senior players shortly retire. One of them could be Colm McFadden, who has been poor by his own high standards this summer. Joe Brolly and Ciarán Whelan recently questioned his ability to raise his game for Dublin but Wherity likes to think he knows him better. “It was Colm who led the line three years ago and last year he was our only All Star nominee. He’s shown these last few years he’s the best man to lead the line. He’s a good, wise head on him and knows how to survive in a forward line like the one we might see on Sunday.

“It’ll mean taking all the opportunities that comes his way but he’s due a big performance. It’s a day for the older players. I can’t see too many of the younger fellas being throw in from the start.”

Like Brian McEniff, Wherity is buoyed by the perception Dublin have yet to be tested in their campaign. “Some teams like Laois and Wexford have kept them in check until half-time and then they broke loose. Monaghan almost did it too but lost an influential player (Colin Walshe) to injury.

“The question is has anyone really got the stamina to stick with them? Jim will have everyone well prepared. Since October last year, he’s been planning for a day like this and fitness-wise I don’t think there will a concern for Donegal.

“The experts are saying if Donegal can keep Dublin in check until then they have a chance. We don’t know what Dublin are made of in the last 10 minutes of games this year because in their last four games they’ve easily been able to stretch their lead by that time and then it’s a canter home.”