Declan Bonner admits that time is tight for the half-a-dozen Donegal players who are struggling with what he calls ‘niggles’ under a fortnight away from the Ulster semi-final.
Donegal face Down on June 10th in Clones and Bonner has a number of concerns.
Neil McGee, Michael Langan and Jamie Brennan all had to be withdrawn during Sunday’s 2-16 to 0-16 win over Derry at Celtic Park.
“We’re just waiting to see how they settle,” the Donegal manager said.
“We’ll know more later in the week. They’re just niggles, but the fact it’s a quick turnaround for them to be ready. It’s about rest for a day or two.
“In the past you’d have had three weeks and there’d be no issue, but they’d be touch and go now.”
Martin McElhinney, Martin O’Reilly and Nathan Mullins will also be monitored, but the trio – who have not tasted Championship action in 2018 yet – all appear to be already out of the reckoning for the game against Down.
Bonner said: “It was straight into the Down game as soon as the Derry match was over. It’s about getting our house in order.
“We look at the Derry game, we pick the good and bad out of it, but it’s all about Down and getting ready for that as soon as the other game was over.
“We know bigger challenges are ahead and Down will be a step up from either Cavan or Derry. They were in the Ulster final last year and will be a tough challenge.”