Tipperary manager Liam Kearns

Tipp's forwards need to find spark for visit of Donegal

By Shane Brophy and Michael Dundon

 

TIPPERARY v DONEGAL

Semple Stadium

Sunday, 10th February

Throw-in @ 2.00pm

Referee: Brendan Cawley (Kildare)

 

In a division where there have been five draws in the eight games so far, every point is going to be so vital and after Tipperary dropped one to Fermanagh, their second home game next Sunday will be a different test altogether in the form of Ulster champions Donegal.

It is the first time in nine years that the sides have met in the competition when in Tipperary’s only previous campaign in division 2 in 2010, the Premier County went down narrowly to Donegal.

The Ulster were favourites by many to make an immediate return to the top flight following their relegation from division 1 and it has been so far so good with wins over Clare and Meath, despite being without the injured Michael Murphy, Paddy McBrearty, Frank McGlynn as well as the Gaoth Dobhair contingent including Neil McGee and Odhran Mac Niallais who are preparing for their upcoming All Ireland club semi-final.

In other circumstances, Tipperary would fancy their chances of taking a big scalp at home but manager Liam Kearns knows they will have to improve massively from their opening two performances if they are to generate a positive result from the game.

Donegal are one of the top five teams. They are a very formidable outfit. If we go out and do as we did today (v Fermanagh) we will have no chance. We are normally very good in those situations but today we just did not convert our chances” Kearns said.

 

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