Mac not back for Donegal

DONEGAL will be without star forward Odhran Macniallais as they lock horns with Monaghan in Sunday’s Dr Mckenna Cup opener in Ballybofey.

Tir Chonaill boss Declan Bonner confirmed the Gaoth Dobhair man won’t be making a return to the county panel, saying he would “not be available for the Dr Mckenna Cup or the NFL”.

This unwelcome news comes after it was confirmed before Christmas that promising forward Oisin Gallen is out injured for the next few months while towering midfielder Jason

Mcgee looks likely to miss the entire League campaign.

Veteran Paddy Mcgrath will not play any part in the League either.

Mcgrath has a cruciate ligament injury and has been working hard to get back to fitness.

Meanwhile, flying wing back Eoghan Ban Gallagher has finished his rehab and is now doing “light training.”

“Eoghan Ban has worked very hard to get back and he is working with the strength and conditioning sector,” added Bonner.

On a brighter note, star forward Paddy Mcbrearty looks set to be available by the end of the month when he is due to come back from the States.

“Paddy has been away but should be back by the end of the month.”

It is very unlikely that Michael Murphy or Neil Mcgee will be seeing game time in the Dr Mckenna Cup as they will be needed for the vital opening round of the NFL against Mayo on January 25.

But Bonner has brought in a raft of youngsters who will be very keen to grab starting slots for the visit of Monaghan.