Lacey's return boosts Donegal ahead of quarter-final

Karl Lacey will make a timely return to the Donegal team for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC quarter-final encounter with Mayo at Croke Park (throw-in 4pm).

Troubled by a knee injury which required surgery last month, Lacey has made only one start for Donegal this season in the recent Ulster final defeat to Monaghan.

He was used as a substitute against Tyrone in May and also had an impact off the bench in last weekend's qualifier victory over Laois, helping the reigning All-Ireland champions see out a 0-14 to 0-8 success.

The 2012 Footballer of the Year has been passed fit to resume at centre back this weekend, with Malin's Declan Walsh the player to make way.

That is the only change made by manager Jim McGuinness for this repeat of last September's All-Ireland decider. Of the Donegal team that lined out that day, Mark McHugh and Leo McLoone are the only absentees.

There was speculation that McHugh would make a quicker than anticipated return from injury but although he has been cleared of concussion, the quad muscle tear he picked up against Monaghan is still a concern. His younger brother Ryan continues in the half-forward line.

The counties met most recently in the Allianz League in March when Mayo secured a 1-10 to 0-9 win. Donegal have played in eight previous All-Ireland quarter-finals, winning three, drawing two and losing three.

DONEGAL (SFC v Mayo): Paul Durcan; Paddy McGrath, Neil McGee, Eamon McGee; Frank McGlynn, Karl Lacey, Anthony Thompson; Neil Gallagher, Rory Kavanagh; Ryan Bradley, Ryan McHugh, David Walsh; Paddy McBrearty, Michael Murphy, Colm McFadden.