Declan Bonner says he has ‘every faith’ in his Donegal Under-21s ahead of tonight’s Ulster U21 Championship clash with Tyrone at Healy Park (8pm).
Donegal go into the Omagh bearpit without some of their frontline men.
Jason McGee, who has been excelling for the Donegal seniors, misses out due to a shoulder injury sustained in the Allianz League against Cavan.
Mark Coyle and Christian Bonner are definite absentees, while Kieran Gillespie and Cian Mulligan are regarded as big doubts, although Rory Carr has come back into the equation.
Carr featured in a challenge game against Sligo at the end of the week and made an albeit brief cameo for St Eunan’s against Dungloe on Sunday, but time could be against the Letterkenny man.
“I have every faith in the guys,” Bonner said.
“It’s always disappointing when you lose players who have played senior football. It’s unfortunate, but we move on. The only players who can influence it are the guys from 1-15.
“It’s been a long build-up. Our focus has always been on March 15. We knew we had to get focussed immediately. We’re looking forward to the challenge.”
These teams are well accustomed to one another over the years and will need little by the way of introductions ahead of what could be a tasty affair.
Bonner said: “Tyrone have laid the benchmark at underage level over the last two decades. It’s a real test. We have a fair idea of what to expect. It’ll be a real Championship match and I’d say it could go right to the wire.”
