Monaghan captain Micheál Bannigan sees tomorrow’s Dr McKenna Cup final against Donegal as “great preparation” for the Farney men’s upcoming Allianz League campaign.

Bannigan scored 1-6 on Wednesday night as Monaghan defeated Derry by 1-18 to 1-16 at Celtic Park to book their place in the pre-season competition’s decider against the Ulster champions.

Speaking to BBC Sport NI ahead of Saturday’s final which throws in at 5pm in Omagh, the Farney skipper says the Dr McKenna Cup has given players a fantastic chance to break on to the panel.

"It's a great game to get seven days out from the National League, so it will be great preparation for us and we'll look forward to it," he stated.

"We're without Sigerson (Cup) players at the moment, like every team is. We're also without the Scotstown boys, so there are young boys getting their chance, which is brilliant."

He added: "At this time of the year, it beats training so we're happy. A lot of young boys get their chance and a couple of years ago I got my chance (in the Dr McKenna Cup) so this is good for boys trying to break onto the panel because challenge games just aren't the same."

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