MIND GAMES FOR SAFFRONS

beat him. Because if I didn’t, then I would be beat. It doesn’t matter what sport you’re in. It’s not arrogance but confidence in your own ability.”

Mcgourty, 29, played alongside Donegal boss Rory Gallagher when St Gall’s won an All-ireland club title in 2010 and rates him as “the best manager in Ireland”.

“He got a Donegal team that was on its last legs in my opinion and brought them back and revived them. They are very fond of him in Donegal and I know exactly why.

“Even on the pitch he was a guiding influence and he’s done wonders for them.”

Mcgourty missed Antrim’s run to the Ulster final in 2009 and hasn’t played as much as he could, or should, have.

But there were signs this year of consistency and he’s enjoying being back in the set-up.

“My role is to try and help two or three forwards around me and hopefully in a few years time, Antrim can build and maybe be a Division Two side,” he added.