Doherty ruled out for Donegal
If Donegal are to beat Armagh for the first time in the championship since 1993 this Sunday, they will have to do it the hard way - without regular free-taker Michael Doherty.
Donegal boss Brian McIver has resigned himself to being without Doherty for this weekend's Ulster SFC final against the defending champions. The talented corner forward damaged his knee in the closing stages of last month's semi-final win over Derry.
"I can safely say that Michael's definitely out for the weekend," said McIver said. "At this stage, we have to start looking at other free-taking possibilities."
22-year-old Doherty, who hails from Donegal town and studies quality management at Sligo IT, has not trained since colliding with Derry's Paul Cartin and jarring his knee.
A full recovery is expected for the Tír Chonaill top scorer, who has no long term ligament damage.
James Gallagher, 2003 All-Star Adrian Sweeney and Colin Kelly are amongst the possible replacements for Doherty.
Meanwhile, McIver is hoping his players can get a pre-match run-out at Croke Park on Saturday night.
"Seven of the players have never played in Croke Park so it would be a big help (if we could get some pitch-time)," he said.
