Neil McGee wants to get Donegal back on track
It's Down next up for Donegal on Saturday night in Ballybofey and an ideal opportunity to get back on course following last weekend's defeat to Kildare in Newbridge.
Last Sunday's 1-17 to 1-9 defeat at the hands of the Lilywhites was Donegal's first defeat in eight outings this season so far.
Saturday night's showdown with the Mourne men is an ideal opportunity for John Joe Doherty and his men to get back on track.
That was the view of the Donegal boss in the intermediate aftermath of Sunday's defeat. And he is not the only one feeling so this week. It is also the feeling of full-back Neil McGee, one Donegal player to emerge from the St. Conleth's Park reversal with his reputation intact.
"Saturday night's game is the perfect opportunity to bounce back from last Sunday's defeat and get our season back on track," insisted Neil.
"The Kildare game was a setback but it was always going to be a tough game. They were really up for it. They were big and strong and moved well and everything they hit seemed to go over.
"It was just one of those days when everything went right for them and no matter what we tried we could not just get going. While it was a disappointing performance the good thing about it is we probably learned more about ourselves in that game than in any of the games we won.
"You always learn more about yourself and where you need to improve when you lose rather than when you win. And to be honest while we were winning games we were not playing all that well. We were just getting the results. But after last Sunday we now know where we are strong and the areas we need to improve on," said McGee.
"It is hard to say why we have not been playing well because we are working hard and training has been going well. I suppose that it is just early in the season and there are a good few men missing and hopefully they will be back soon."
One man who has been missing all season is Neil's brother Eamonn. And with Eamonn's transfer to Tir Chonaill Gaels going through at the end of last week, and his subsequent debut for London on Sunday, the second of the McGee brothers has cut his ties with Donegal for 2010 at least.
"It is all about work. Eamonn had no work here and he got a job in London and it is simple as that. He went where the work was and to be honest more players may be going if things do not pick up here. It was never an option for him to return home at weekend to play games. The demands and training required meant that was never on, and that is why he has declared for London."
Saturday night's meeting with Down is the second of the three meetings between the sides this season. And having already got one up on James McCartan and his charges in the Dr. McKenna Cup, and with the championship still to come, the Donegal full-back is anxious that they return to the winning enclosure.
"No one in the team or management is talking about the championship. It has been one game at a time so far and that is the way it is going to be for Saturday night.
"All we want to do is win and pick up the two points. The fact that it is at home is also a factor. We feel it is important to win our home games."
While that is the case Neil feels playing at home brings its own pressure and especially after suffering a heavy defeat.
But it is something they are going to have to deal with if they are to pick up the points and maintain their push for promotion back to the top flight.
Neil does not believe that the involvement of former Donegal manager Brian McIver, in the Down management set-up will be a factor either as the Tyrone man once again crosses swords with his former charges.
"I don't see Brian's involvement with Down as a factor. He is a good man and did a good job when he was with us and I am sure he is doing a good job and is an important man in the Down set-up.
"Our focus is solely to return to winning ways and pick up two league points and get our season back on track," the Gaoth Dobhair man concluded.
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Weather for Donegal
Saturday 04 February 2012
Today
Heavy rain
Temperature: 3 C to 10 C
Wind Speed: 28 mph
Wind direction: South
Tomorrow
Light rain
Temperature: 6 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
Wind direction: South west
