Declan Bonner says Donegal will have to go to a new level when they face All-Ireland champions Dublin at Croke Park on Saturday night.
In their first game in the All-Ireland quarter-final group phase, Donegal take on the Dubs, who are chasing Sam Maguire for a fourth successive year.
“It’s a tough start, but it’s a brilliant place to be,” Bonner said.
“There is no better place to be on a Championship day. These guys are looking forward to the challenge and it’s the start of a busy four weeks.
“We’re going into Croke Park against the best team of the last three years, maybe one of the best teams ever, but I get a sense that these guys are just ready to get at it.”
Patrick McBrearty, who suffered a cruciate injury in the Ulster final win over Fermanagh, will be absent, but otherwise Donegal are at full strength with Neil McGee set to return from suspension.
Bonner said: “We have to get to a level of performance that we haven’t reached yet and maintain it for 70 minutes. The guys coming off the bench just set into a routine for Dublin. You can see the hunger is still there with them.”
Listen to the full interview below …