Derry manager Mickey Harte has named an unchanged side from the one that edged out Dublin in a dramatic Division 1 decider in Saturday’s eagerly awaited Ulster SFC quarter-final clash at Celtic Park (throw in 6.45 pm).
The Oak Leaf County, bidding for a third successive provincial title, will have Diarmuid Baker making his first championship start after an impressive league campaign, while Gareth McKinless, who was forced off injured in their win over the Dubs, has been listed on the bench.
Donegal manager Jim McGuinness meanwhile has named captain Patrick McBrearty and Ryan McHugh in his starting team to play Derry.
Both players missed the Allianz Football League Division 2 final defeat to Armagh, and are among five changes to the team that failed to collect silverware in Croke Park earlier this month.
McBrearty, who won three provincial titles under McGuinness previously as well as 2012’s All-Ireland, has recovered from a calf injury, while McHugh is named at wing-back.
The other changes see full-back Ciarán Moore, Odhran Doherty and Dáire O Baoil named to start.
Derry: O Lynch; McCluskey, C McKaigue, D Baker; C Doherty, E McEvoy, P McGrogan; C Glass, Brendan Rogers; Ethan Doherty, C McFaul, P Cassidy; N Loughlin, S McGuigan, L Murray.
Donegal: S Patton; M Curran, C Moore, P Mogan; R McHugh, C McGonagle; S O’Donnell, C Thompson, Michael Langan; O Doherty, N O’Donnell, Daire O Baoill; P McBrearty (c), OGallen, A Doherty
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