Fermanagh manager Rory Gallagher believes that if they can curb the influence of Michael Murphy then it will greatly improve their chances of defeating Donegal in this weekend’s Ulster SFC clash.

Brewster Park is the venue for this game on Sunday afternoon and Donegal are favourites to see off the challenge of the Erne County.

The former Donegal manager knows Murphy better than most having worked with him for a number of years.

Gallagher acknowledges that it is a big task for his players, but he does feel that curtailing Murphy’s impact on the game has to be one of their targets.

“It’s a very difficult challenge,” Gallagher told the Fermanagh Herald. “I think the way he (Murphy) came back this year, the way he hit the ground running and have the impact he did was immense. It wouldn’t be crazy to say maybe more than ever Donegal depend on him.

“He has developed a lot of maturity about the way he plays. There’s a lot of pace around the team which suits him. With Stephen Rochford involved now they’re playing a game which increasingly has him closer to goal.

“Whether that remains the case throughout the championship we don’t know. Last year, he spent an awful lot of his time out around the middle of the field in all the games.

“But his influence is immeasurable. I frequently tell people you don’t realise how great an influence he has until you’re there. As good a player as he is, it’s his leadership and ability to make others around him better and makes calls on the field which sets him apart.”

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