Declan Bonner says that all his emphasis will be on the Championship in 2018 after his Donegal side were drawn in the Preliminary round.
Donegal will host Cavan in an Ulster SFC preliminary round contest in early May.
The draw for the 2018 Championships took place last night and Bonner could be reasonably content with his lot.
“All the emphasis will be on the Championship,” Bonner said, noting that he felt Donegal in 2017 were ‘burned out’ and ‘had no real drive’ for the Championship.
“We have to hit the ground running for Championship.
“One thing you want is a home draw. That doesn’t guarantee a win, but we got the home draw. The preliminary round isn’t ideal. We’re out very early in May.
“We’ll have a five-week window after the League so it’ll come in very quickly.”
Bonner will welcome Odhrán Mac Niallais and Leo McLoone back to his squad while Declan Walsh is also set to return, with players like Gary Merritt, Kevin McBrearty, Stephen McBrearty, Ciaran McGinley, Tony McClenaghan and Stephen McMenamin to be given a go.
Bonner, who had a previous stint as senior manager from 1997-2000, has confirmed that some of his senior players won’t be used in the early stages of 2018.
He said: “We have to get the balance right. The Championship is the big one – we have to try to win the Ulster Championship.”
Listen to the full interview below …
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