With a ban on minor training until March 1, preparations have been limited and although Donegal only trained for the fourth time this week, they have managed to get a couple of challenge games under their belt against Sligo and Leitrim in recent weeks.

"We've a couple of games played but you can't really use them as a form guide," said new manager Charlie Mulgrew this week. "Fermanagh on Saturday will be our first real test and we'll know a lot more about where we're at after that. With the restrictions on training we've only got down to it in the last few weeks."

Donegal have named a panel of 34, from which 24 will form the matchday squad on Saturday. Patrick McBrearty from Kilcar has had a fine season so far with Carrick Vocational School, while another man in the forward line, Conor Gibbons from St Eunan's, came off the bench in the senior county final against Noamh Conaill to score two points.

Luke Keaney of Four Masters has experience in the minor bracket. Other notable players are likely to be the inventive Christoper Barrett from Milford, defensive rock Pauric Carr, Aodh Ruadh goalkeeper Peter Boyle and St Naul's wing-back Barry Griffin.

Mulgrew will be joined by a backroom team consisting of 1992 All-Ireland winning full-back Matt Gallagher; Owen Bonner from Dungloe and Naomh Muire, and Bundoran's John McEniff.

However, Mulgrew, who along with John Haran will also be in charge of St Eunan's seniors this year, is setting no targets ahead of the campaign in the competition in which his predecessor Martin Regan took Donegal to the Minor League final last term, before losing to Armagh.

"We'll be trying to win every game and that's the way we're approaching it," Mulgrew added. "One step at a time will be the priority, but obviously we'll be looking to see an improvement the longer the league goes on. So far I'm happy enough. We held numerous trials since taking over last year and there's been great enthusiasm both from the players and from the clubs."

The game will be Mulgrew's first in charge against the county whose seniors he managed to the All-Ireland semi-final in 2004. Donegal and Fermanagh will join Tyrone and Derry, who meet on Saturday at Healy Park, as Antrim and Westmeath, who face one another at Ahoghill, in Group B of the competition. Group A consists of Cavan, Meath, Down, Dublin, Monaghan and Armagh.

Donegal panel: Adam Coyne (Bundoran), Alan McGirr (Naomh Bríd), Barry Griffin (St Nauls), Brandon Goodwin (Bundoran), Harry Hardon (Naomh Mhuire), Caolán Ward (St Eunans), Christopher Barrett (Milford), Christopher McCafferty (Milford), Christopher McGlynn (Dungloe),
Conal McGinley (St Eunans), Conor Gibbons (St Eunans), Darragh White (Naomh Mhuire), Dan McDaid (Malin), Declan Maguire (Naomh Columba), Ciaran Greaney (St Eunans), Enda Faulkner (Moville), Gary Clancy (Bundoran), Seamus Doherty (Malin), Gerard Walsh (Dungloe), Jamie Gallagher (Naomh Conaill), John O'Malley, (Naomh Conaill), Lee Carr (St Michaels), Leon Kelly (Glenswilly), Luke Keaney (Four Masters), Michael Cannon (St Michaels), Owen Grant (Naomh Mhuire), Paddy McBrearty (Kilcar), Padraig Doherty (Carndonagh), Paul McHugh (Burt), Pauric Carr (Kilcar), Peter Boyle (Aodh Ruadh), Ronan McGurrin (Aodh Ruadh), Shaun McGarvey (Cloughaneely), Shaun Boyle (Naomh Mhuire).

See Donegal On Sunday for full report