Paddy McGrath will have to wait until Sunday-week’s game in Tipperary to make his 100th Donegal appearance.
The Ardara corner-back is on the cusp of a landmark match for the county but it seems as if it will be another week before he joins Donegal’s 100 club.
McGrath has not featured for Donegal in 2019, but the 2012 All-Ireland winner has recently resumed training.
“He is very close,” Donegal manager Declan Bonner said.
McGrath is unlikely to feature in tomorrow’s night’s game against Meath in Ballybofey.
Bonner said: “It’s probably a bit soon for him. Tipperary is a more realistic option.”
McGrath made his first Donegal appearance as a sub in an Ulster Championship loss to Down in 2010.
Until last year’s win over Cavan in the Ulster SFC, McGrath played 43 successive Championship games.
After last weekend’s 0-16 to 0-13 win over Clare in Ennis, Donegal go into tomorrow night’s clash in good tune, with Bonner having no fresh injuries to report.
Bonner said: “Every man came through it well. We haven’t got together since.
“It’s going to be a real test against Meath. They’re a very physical side. They almost beat Tyrone last year in a qualifier. They were very unlucky in that game.”