'I think Armagh have the better footballers overall, I feel they'll win' - McDonnell

Former Armagh player Steven McDonnell says his county’s long-awaited dream of recapturing the Anglo Celt Cup for the first time since 2008 will drive Kieran McGeeney’s men to Ulster glory this Sunday in Clones. 

Despite dominating Ulster during the 2000s when the Orchard County won seven Anglo Celt Cups between 1999 and 2008, last year was their first provincial final in Clones 15 years when they lost to Derry on penalties. 

They will now try to redeem themselves this weekend when they come up against Jim McGuinness’s Donegal side at 4pm, and despite the green and gold county carrying the favourites tag, McDonnell is confident of an Armagh victory and believes their time is now to win some championship silverware. 

Speaking on the BBC’s GAA Social podcast, McDonnell claimed that Armagh has the “better footballers” out of the two teams as he backs his county to do the job at the weekend. 

“I just think Armagh have better footballers overall. Donegal has some seriously talented footballers, but Armagh are probably a wee bit more advanced in terms of the progression they've made over the last couple of years,” said the former Footballer of the Year. 

Kieran McGeeney’s side have played Donegal three times this season with Donegal being victorious on two occasions while the other game ended in a draw.  

The sides most recently faced off on Easter Sunday when McGuinness’s team overcame Armagh in Allianz League Division 2 final in Croke Park. 

But none of that changes McDonnell’s mind on what he believes Armagh are capable of doing this weekend with him stating that the league final defeat will only fuel McGeeney’s side as they seek revenge. 

“Armagh have got a crop of players now that are really hungry to finally get across the line on Ulster final day,” the 2002 All-Ireland winner said. 

"Rewind the clock 25 years and we were probably in a similar position with Geezer (Kieran McGeeney), John Rafferty, Cathal O'Rourke probably the elder statesmen of the team and when we got to that Ulster final there was a serious desire to win it. 

“I know last year Armagh had a great chance to kick on, especially in extra-time, but the hurt from last year will help them. Also, the fact they lost the league final to Donegal this year will help them too. 

“I'd be more concerned if they'd won that game. They probably would have been a bit more arrogant going into the match, but they know they have a hell of a battle ahead of themselves.”