Posted online: Mar 3rd, 2010

By Frank Craig, sports editor

Donegal attacker David Walsh insists his Donegal side are determined to maintain their perfect start to the season ahead of their trip to Newbridge this Sunday.

Two seasons ago Donegal came out on the wrong end of a particularly bruising encounter, when the hosts just about snatched victory late in the day.

There was more than a hint of Kieran McGeeney’s stewardship in Kildare’s determined and physical approach back then; but Walsh isn’t too concerned about mixing it if and when it’s needed this weekend.

“I think it’s a good example to the lads coming in- that the senior players do stand their ground and not let others try to intimidate you,” said Walsh. ”Kildare do like to pull and drag. But if we use the fast ball into our forward line then we will cause them problems.

“We’ve kept the head down since Laois and have continued to work hard. Sunday is a different level now and as we’ve seen before that it’s a hard place to go to get a result.”

Donegal have eased into league action this season with victories over Westmeath and Laois. But after a hectic McKenna Cup campaign, Walsh sees the benefits of that favourable opening, as Donegal gets ready to entertain some big hitters in the next few weeks.

“Truth be told we didn’t really get as much hard work done as we would have liked coming into the McKenna Cup because of the weather. So that busy spell of games was needed and thankfully we came through it in good shape without any injures.

“Hopefully it stays like that as we saw last year, when some lads picked up serious injuries. It makes it that much more difficult during the league. The run in we have now is exactly what you want. And we’re going to be tested on each occasion.”

The vultures are always circling over Tir Chonaill. And Walsh knows that misdemeanours in any shape or form won’t take long to find the back pages. He feels that there is a new determination to avoid those pitfalls during this campaign.

“There’s always people waiting to see who will step out of line, but we’re used to that by now. But I can honestly say that this year every man is completely focused and determined to give this our best shot.

“Maybe last year a lot of men looked back on it and knew themselves that they had a disappointing year. That’s why everyone is determined to go at this one hundred per cent.”