Mayo v Donegal: Three Donegal players to keep an eye on

WHEN Stephen Rochford sat down in the wake of Mayo’s victory over Tyrone and contemplated next Sunday’s meeting with Donegal, he would have had plenty of questions to ponder.

Here, we’ll profile some of the Donegal dangermen that Mayo fans, players, and management will be looking to keep an eye on.

PEADAR MOGAN

THOSE who have followed Donegal will be well aware of what Mogan brings to the party. The Saint Naul’s clubman has been highly impressive, consistently putting in the type of offensive displays from half-back that Mayo fans have been crying out for all season.

Last year, the defender was one of two Tír Chonaill players to be named an All-Star, and he will need some watching on Sunday when he drives up the pitch.

Going the other way, Mogan possesses an unwavering panache for ensnaring the opposition’s forwards, having put in masterful defensive performances in the last few campaigns.

READ MORE: Referee confirmed for crunch Mayo-Donegal All-Ireland tie

MICHAEL LANGAN

LANGAN is another baller who is highly revered in footballing circles in the North-West. He may have been held scoreless by Cavan last time out, but his seven-point haul against Tyrone is a show of his class and potential. 

Langan tends to float between midfield and half-forward for Jim McGuinness, and has soldiered with the men clad in green and gold since 2017. 

Saint Michaels’ finest showed his propensity to do damage to Mayo in the most recent game between the sides in Castlebar a few months ago. 

The rangy superstar was introduced at half-time, making an instant impact and hitting Mayo for two points. Add to that his ability to kick two-pointers and you’ve a player that will cause a good few headaches for the Mayo men.

READ MORE: Match Preview: Mayo Must take their chances and win the game

MICHAEL MURPHY

IF one searches for a player who can cause any side in the country headaches, look no further than Mister Donegal. Michael Murphy may be in his sixteenth season for Donegal at the age of 35, but make no mistake, he can do plenty of damage on the scoreboard.

The man has a list of honours as long as your arm, and has notched 0-16 in his last two outings. 

There is some talk of Donegal’s over-reliance on the Glenswilly talisman, but he seems to take it in his stride some 15 years on from assuming the captaincy at the age of 20.

He provides a vital outlet for Donegal kickouts, whether they be from Gavin Mulreany or Shaun Patton, and is their leading light in the forwards. He is sure to play a major role in Sunday’s blockbuster.