Peter Canavan: ‘Donegal hold all Ulster Football Final aces’ says Tyrone great

Canavan says the Cavan defence will have to “tighten up massively” from last week’s semi-final.

“When space was afforded to the Down forward in one-on-one situations, Down scored heavily.

“If Donegal forwards are afforded the same space, bear in mind Down wasted three goal-scoring opportunities, I don’t think Donegal will be as wayward.

“Cavan need to get bodies back and defend in numbers and try and hit Donegal on the break. If they decide to go man for man, I think they are asking for trouble.”

One small chink of light for Cavan could be injuries in the Donegal defence with impressive corner-back Stephen McMenamin said to be “less than 50-50” to be available by Declan Bonner and also a few murmurings that experienced full-back Neil McGee has a back problem.

“If Neil McGee’s not there at the edge of the square, Donegal might be susceptible to a high ball in and Patton is not the biggest of goalkeepers either but I think we’re clutching at straws somewhat.

“Conor Madden was very effective on the edge of the square after being introduced at half-time against Down and Thomas Galligan has done damage in a similar way after coming on as an impact sub but Mickey Graham is going to have think in terms of playing both from the start because Cavan have got to try and stay in the game in the first half.

“I just don’t see Donegal letting up in Sunday’s game.

“With so many players battling for starting spots in a potential All-Ireland semi-final against Dublin, they are all going to be keen to impress. I think it’s going to be a Donegal victory by five or six points.”