Donegal will lock horns with Carlow on Saturday evening eager to make amends for their devastating defeat to Antrim over a fortnight ago in the first round of the Ulster Championship.

Due to injury Donegal boss John Joe Doherty will be forced to make a number of personnel changes, with midfield likely to see a new pairing as regular duo Brendan Boyle and Neil Gallagher are struggling to be fit.

And with Ciaran Bonner also picking up a dead leg during Glenswilly’s defeat at St Michaels, Doherty will most likely turn to Kevin Cassidy and Rory Kavanagh to fill the void for their All Ireland Qualifier First Round clash with the Leinster side (Throw-in 7pm).

“Neither Brendan or Neil played club football at the weekend so it doesn’t look good on that front,” said Doherty.

“Michael Maguire also picked up a wee knock so we’ll also be looking at him before we make any decision on the team.”

Doherty admits that last week’s challenge match against Fermanagh was a useful exercise, and barring some miraculous healings, Donegal Gaels shouldn’t expect too many changes from that line-up.

“It probably won’t be too far away to be honest. There were a lot of men not available against Fermanagh, and I’ll need to speak to them tonight (Tuesday) at training to see exactly what we’re looking at.”

On that night Paddy McDaid came in at corner-back and Frank McGlynn started at wing back. Kevin Cassidy and Christy Toye took over midfield duties, while there were also impressive displays from Naomh Conaill duo Leo McLoone and Dara Gallagher in the forward line.

St Nauls’ sharpshooter Stephen Griffin also showed well up front, and the responsibility to rectify Donegal’s wayward return of twelve points from thirty efforts against the Saffrons’, may fall on his young shoulders.

“As I said after the last game, it was now up to the young lads to step up to the mark. If you come through the ranks playing minor and U21 then there is no reason why those players can’t cut it at senior level. Certain players will get an opportunity on Saturday and it’s up to them to seize it” Doherty concluded.

(Frank Craig, Sports Editor)