Ollie Horgan is expecting another stern exam when UCD visit Ballybofey on Friday night for a huge relegation battle.
The Premier Division’s bottom two meet on what could be a decisive night at Finn Park, where a win for Harps would close the gap on the Students to three points.
Defeat, however, for Horgan’s men and they would be nine points adrift.
“The only criticism of them so far was the second-half in Belfield (when Harps lost 3-0 in March),” Horgan told Donegal Daily/Donegal Sport Hub.
“That was the only hammering we took. UCD gave us a very difficult time and that’s what we’re facing again on Friday night. UCD are a proper football side and have given the top teams a run for their money.”
Although Harps have yet to win a League game, away draws at Sligo Rovers and Cork City in the last week have lifted the mood considerably among Harps supporters.
However, Horgan cautioned: “Despite the two good performances, it’s still only two more points on the board.”
Colm Deasy returns from suspension while John Kavanagh is available again. Michael Gallagher, who won rave reviews for his display on Monday night at Turners Cross, is again in the mix for a start.
Horgan said: “The younger lads have done well. It’s on merit that they’ve got in. We have to manage it well.
“They’re young and there are mistakes in them. We have no hesitation of throwing them in for any game and away to Cork was testimony of that.”
Listen to the full interview below …