‘Donegal should relish the chance to play in the Christy Ring on Sunday’ – that is the message from Donegal Hurling manager Mickey McCann as he prepares his side to take on Wicklow at O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny on Sunday. (Throw-in 1pm)
However, McCann’s first competitive match at the helm in the Christy Ring Cup took a major blow on Friday with Nicky Rackard All-Star and former Armagh player, Declan Coulter, set to miss the contest through injury.
The forward finished Donegal’s second highest scorer in the Allianz Hurling League despite missing three Division 2B games for the county.
Speaking to Charlie Collins before the opening day, McCann said he wasn’t expecting any team to underestimate his side after their endeavours in recent months.
“It definitely is a big step up for Donegal but we’re going to have to compete the best we can at this standard and see if they can run Wicklow tight.
“I think those higher teams come a wee bit complacent and underestimate us a bit,” he added. “But I think that surprise element is gone now after beating Down, Derry and Armagh and Wicklow won’t underestimate us.”
Listen to the full interview below…
