Nothing should be taken for granted but Down have slight edge

Ulster SFC Quarter-final/Donegal v Down: It may come as a slight surprise to some people that Down's summer campaign got under way a month ago with their five-point win over Cavan.

That was as low-key and forgettable a start to the championship as possible, but it was a useful game for Down nonetheless, and definitely gives them an edge for tomorrow's trip to Ballybofey.

Yet manager Paddy O'Rourke has understandably made some changes from that game - knowing a lot of improvement is necessary if they are to win here. With defender Dan McCartan ruled out through injury, Alan Molloy moves back into the defence from midfield, while Ronan Murtagh and Adrian Scullion are both called into he starting line-up - the latter replacing Damien Rafferty.

O'Rourke, however, has kept last year's minor star James Colgan in reserve, although he is likely to see some action. Murtagh looked impressive when he appeared against Cavan and does add some strength to the forward line, which is still a little over-reliant on Benny Coulter.

This is a game Down are almost desperate to win in an effort to deliver on their potential of recent years. Since they forced Tyrone to a replay in the Ulster final of 2003 their fortunes have definitely stalled, and that semi-final berth against Derry is the least of their ambitions this season.

Donegal had a good league run, losing the Division Two final to Louth after a replay, and look well able to pull out a victory here. Manager Brian McIvor has named an interesting team that blends plenty of youth with the familiar experience. There are four championship debuts in corner back Neil McGee, centre forward Ciarán Bonner and corner forwards Colin Kelly and Michael Doherty. Regular centre forward Michael Hegarty now operates at centre back with Barry Monaghan moving to midfield. Brendan Boyle misses out, as does the injured Brian Roper, while Adrian Sweeney, still one of their main scoring threats, starts on the bench.

It's a bit of a gamble playing such youth in the forward line, but with Brendan Devenney and Kevin Cassidy gone off to brighter shores it's partly enforced. There's more uncertainty surrounding Donegal and for that reason Down will start as marginal favourites but, as Derry proved against Tyrone last week, nothing should be taken for granted in Ulster football.

DONEGAL: P Durcan; N McGee, P Campbell, K Lacey; E McGee, M Hegarty, B Dunnion; N Gallagher, B Monaghan; C Toye, C Bonner, R Kavanagh; C Kelly, C Dunne, M Doherty.

DOWN: B McVeigh; M Cole, B Grant, A Molloy; P Murphy, J Clarke, A Scullion; A Rogers, D Gordan; E McCartan, L Doyle, R Murtagh; D Hughes, B Coulter, M Walsh.