MIDDLE AGE SPREAD FOR DONEGAL

DONEGAL could have a completely new look midfield when the Allianz league begins later this month with a glamour tie against Kerry.

New boss Declan Bonner has drafted in Nathan Mullins from Dublin while ex-midfield star Odhran Macniallais is back after a year out.

Mcniallais, 25, a scorer in the 2014 All-ireland final, was a key player in 2016 when he started every League and Championship game, contributing 4-13 in total.

His return has been delayed by injury though he could feature in Clones today in an intriguing midfield alongside Mullins, son of Dublin legend Brian.

New Donegal captain Hugh Mcfadden will be trying to break up that partnership so Bonner will be keeping a close eye on his middle men today.

Mcfadden said: “I’ve been working and training with Nathan for the last few weeks. He’s a massive addition to the Donegal squad. His professionalism, his appetite to work and his attitude really stand to him.”

Mcfadden expects another bruising encounter with old rivals Monaghan today - even if it’s only the first Sunday of January.

He said: “It’s a trip to Clones and we know what we’re going to get when we go down to Monaghan.

“It’s only the Mckenna Cup we’ll be going hard at it and looking to learn from it.”