Gallagher reported last night that he has no fresh injury concerns ahead of the tussle with Brian Cuthbert’s side.

In fact, Gallagher has virtually a full deck to choose from when he selects his starting 15 to face Cork.

However, despite the fact Donegal opened their campaign with a six-point dismissal of Derry in Ballybofey, their second outing at headquarters ended in a 2-10 to 0-11 reverse to Jim Gavin’s Metropolitans.

Yet, the northerners had opportunities to register key scores at crucial times in Croker but did not avail of them.

Conscious of that, Gallagher will be reminding his players of the importance of composure in attacking areas in particular while preparing for their tie with Cork.

“The way the game against Dublin panned out we were disappointed to not close it out,” Gallagher said, speaking on Joe Seward’s GAA programme Square Ball on 93.1 Life FM last night. “We had, what we felt ourselves, were very good chances to push on, especially after Kevin McManamon saw red in the 45th minute.

“Unfortunately, though, we didn’t take those chances and Dublin finished the stronger team with their bench having an impact, particularly Jack McCaffrey who scored 1-1 when he came on.

“We will have to work on those levels of composure before this up-coming game with Cork, who are a very good side on the back of two good wins in the league.”

Gallagher admitted his unit are presently not as far down the fitness road as other counties.

However, he did outline how their well-documented group trip to Dubai was a welcome break.

“We wouldn’t probably be as fit as some of the other teams at the moment. And that is down to the fact we took this break which we decided to do and which was particularly for the more experienced players after a long number of years.

“We were looking forward to the break and I would like to think it has benefited us,” he said.

Cork are Donegal’s next opponents in the league and Gallagher believes Cuthbert and co will be content with their performances thus far, especially when you take into consideration how the Rebels have shown such character, particularly away to Monaghan in Castleblayney.

“There were times while watching Cork’s game against Monaghan that they were going out of the match as Monaghan seemed to be in control of it.

“It was a bit like the Dublin game when Cork had to dig in and dig in. They have had some good displays and I would reckon Brian and the lads are delighted with where they are right now.

“Cork’s forwards are putting in serious shifts and I expect them to do so again on Sunday. We know we are in for a battle."