Armagh intend to do their talking on the pitch when they square up to Ulster champions Donegal in Croke Park on Saturday evening.

The Orchard County's relationship with journalists came in for more scrutiny this week after the cancellation of their planned media event on Wednesday but Paul Grimley, his backroom team and players are focussed solely on the formidable challenge that Anglo Celt holders Donegal will present.

Armagh have improved with every outing this year and qualifier wins over Tyrone, Roscommon and Meath prove that they are an opponent not to be underestimated.

And, although their progress has been built on a solid defensive system, their 18-point haul against the Royal County last Saturday evening illustrated the fact that there is more to their game-plan than merely shutting up shop at the back.

Captain Ciaran McKeever is a massive loss, however, in a game of this stature and his leadership and battling qualities will be sorely missed.

Jim McGuinness, on the other hand, reports a clean bill of health but he is taking nothing for granted: "Paul (Grimley) and Kieran (McGeeney) have done a very good job with them, an excellent job with them.

"I was at the matches at the weekend and to score 18 points in those conditions was very, very big kicking. This will be our third encounter this year - all very competitive and close games."

The 2012 All-Ireland winning manager hailed the Ulster final success over Monaghan as their "best victory" but they are still scarred by last year's 16-point quarter-final defeat to Mayo and won't lack for motivation as a result.

Verdict - Donegal.

Donegal team: tba.

Armagh team: tba.

Match details: Saturday, Croke Park, 4pm.

Referee: Joe McQuillan (Cavan).

Odds: Donegal 1/4, Draw 10/1, Armagh 4/1. Tweet

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