Former Monaghan forward Conor McManus says that 19-year-old Donegal defender Finbarr Roarty is "playing like a seasoned veteran".
Former Monaghan forward Conor McManus said that 19-year-old Donegal defender Finbarr Roarty is "playing like a seasoned veteran".
The teenager is enjoying an impressive first year with Jim McGuinness' senior panel, helping them to the Ulster title and again excelling in their All-Ireland semi-final thrashing of Meath.
He has firmly established himself as a starter and McManus praised the corner-back's ability to slot in seamlessly since his debut in April.
"They tried to get him into the panel last year, but he was too young, and he's come in and is playing like a man who has been there for eight or nine years," McManus told the GAA Social podcast.
"He's playing like a seasoned veteran, his physical shape, his energy and ability on the ball, he's excellent. He is a massive addition who has hit the ground running.
"That is the strength of Donegal their team and their panel. They had 12 different scorers against Meath and you have so many things to try lock down to stop them."
Donegal will face Kerry in the All-Ireland final after the Kingdom dispatched Tyrone in Saturday's other semi-final.
Armagh All-Ireland winner Oisin McConville believes the Red Hands need to develop squad depth to challenge for honours after suffering a 1-20 to 0-17 last four defeat.
"They have to find one or two players but there is a pool of talent there. The profile of the player they're bringing in is important too," McConville said.
"They have deadly forwards in Ruairi and Daragh Canavan, Darren McCurry and Eoin McElholm, but if you play the four of those are any of them really cut out for the middle eight? They're very same same and the direct ball is less of an option.
"You can't play them all at the same time, so you need to find some more power. You compare Tyrone's team to what Donegal have, they have hard running and legs."
Category: General Sports
