Donegal's Doherty on the mend
Donegal's regular free-taker Michael Doherty should be back playing football in a few weeks' time, according to his fellow corner forward Rory Kavanagh.
The 22-year-old was left with both knee and facial injuries after he collided with Derry's Paul Cartin in the closing minutes of Donegal's Ulster SFC semi-final win on June 18.
His presence was sorely missed when the Tír Chonaill men lost the Ulster decider to Armagh nine days ago, but his recovery has since gathered pace.
Asked about his teammate's condition after receiving the Opel Gaelic Player of the Month Award for June today, Kavanagh said: "The doctor gave Michael some good news - he said he'll be back in a few weeks."
"So please God, we'll still be in the championship when he's back fit."
Sunday week's fourth round qualifier against Fermanagh looks like coming too soon for Doherty.
Without his team-mate, Kavanagh is expecting a real battle against the Ernesiders.
The 23-year-old said: "There won't be a lot of space to be found, and them being in Brewster Park will probably give them an advantage.
"I suppose we'll go in as slight underdogs, but maybe we'll take it with a good performance.
"From playing Fermanagh in the past they don't pull and drag you like some of the other Ulster teams might do, but I'd say it'll be tough enough against them."
