Finalists Donegal hampered by injuries

Donegal captain Michael Murphy is facing a race against time to be fit for Sunday's Allianz Football League Division 2 final against Laois.

Manager Jim McGuinness, whose side lost just one game during the league phase, has a number of injury concerns ahead of the trip to Croke Park.

Murphy sustained a dead leg in the opening minute of Glenswilly's clash with Four Masters last Sunday, and was treated by medics after being substituted.

He is described as a 'major doubt' for the final and is undergoing intensive treatment this week in a bid to skipper the side against the midlanders.

Experienced defender Karl Lacey, who did not line out for Four Masters, is hoping to return to training tonight following time out with a calf strain.

Lacey's defensive colleagues Kevin Cassidy and Paddy McGrath are nursing knocks at the moment. Playing for Gaoth Dobhair against St Eunan's, Cassidy aggravated a thigh injury during the game and is receiving treatment in a bid to be fit for the league decider.

McGrath is also on the treatment table, but remains hopeful of featuring against Laois. He was taken off during Ardara's encounter with Naomh Conaill with a quad/groin injury.

Meanwhile, centre-forward Mark McHugh, a son of All-Ireland SFC winner Martin McHugh, injured his calf when playing for Kilgar against Fanad Gaels last Saturday.

After the Division 2 final, promoted Donegal will step up their preparations for their Ulster Championship preliminary round clash with Antrim on Sunday, May 15.