WILL the Jim McGuinness factor be enough for Donegal to bridge the gap that separates them from Derry?
That is the big question going into this evening’s Ulster SFC quarter-final, which may well be the most interesting game of the Championship until the All-Ireland series properly kicks into gear later in the summer.
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Beating Armagh at Croke Park to win Division 2 got the Donegal manager’s second coming off to a promising start.
And while he is sure to have invested plenty of time in hatching a plan for a team chasing a third Anglo-Celt Cup on the trot, Donegal are just not at Derry’s level as things stand.
Donegal have not been as ultra-defensive as they were when Jim famously steered them to All-Ireland glory during his first stint in the hotseat.
But they might have to revert to those tactics to a certain degree if they are to withstand what Derry are capable of throwing at them.
With their speed on the break, the Oak Leafers can inflict serious damage. Indeed, I would rate them as the best counter-attacking team in the business.
After defeating Dublin in the National League final, Derry are riding the crest of a wave so they are justifiably favourites for a game in which they will also benefit from home advantage at Celtic Park.
Mickey Harte seems to be striking the right balance between attack and defence with a very talented group of players who have become serial winners.
In the likes of Conor Glass and Shane McGuigan, Derry possess some of the finest footballers of the modern era.
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And they have succeeded in maintaining an upward trajectory over a sustained period, which is no easy task
Donegal generally looked comfortable during their Division 2 campaign.
Nevertheless, it is a big step-up in class to go from that to playing a team of Derry’s calibre.Â
It may ultimately be the rock they perish on.
