John Joe Doherty believes Donegal are still capable of being top dogs in Ulster this summer.
The 1992 All-Ireland winner, who also had a spell managing Donegal, says Donegal must get off to a good start in Sunday’s game against Cavan to banish the memories of the Allianz League.
Albeit by the skins of their teeth, Donegal were relegated from Division 1, while Sunday’s opponents are coming the other way after winning promotion.
“This is a totally new ball game,” Doherty said.
“You just try to get momentum and spirit going. Nothing will do that as good as a victory.
“It’s about winning the first ball and you move onto the second ball. The distance of the League go further back in the mind.
“If things start to go wrong, the crowd gets nervous and itchy, the opposite happens. Donegal need to start with intent and show the Championship is a different animal.”
The Naomh Columba man, who won an All-Star in 1993, sees Cavan as ‘very dangerous opponents’, but has backed Donegal to have a long summer.
The ‘Super 8s’ will be the target and Doherty says: “We’re capable of getting to an Ulster final. I wouldn’t be a bit surprised if we get there. With the tradition we have, we shouldn’t expect to be too far away.”
Listen to the full interview below …