Following in Jim McGuinness' footsteps as Donegal manager could be described as a poisoned chalice but it was a challenge that Rory Gallagher was eager to accept.

Gallagher served as assistant manager to McGuinness for the All-Ireland success of 2012 and not even a preliminary round draw against Tyrone could put him off the prospect of taking over in the driving seat.

"There is no doubt it (the draw) made it a greater challenge but I had made up mind that it was something that I wanted to do," he recalled to The Irish Independent.

"I had three great years working with the boys previously which were very rewarding. I looked at the potential of our team and I made up my mind regardless of the draw.

"The reality is that there are very few teams in the country that would be as attractive as Donegal."

He continued:  "If you look at this group of players there is no doubt that nine or 10 of them have been on the road a long time, some since 2003, 2004.

"But that has also strong plus points. They are a very close knit group of players and have a good understanding of each other.

"They have good relationships with each other on the field so I am not just talking off the field. They are also at a stage where they are very comfortable in each other's environment and they challenge each other and push each other on."

The Fermanagh native continued: "I don't actually feel that it is my first year in. It might be my first year in the role as manager but I don't feel it that way. No matter what, I feel that this year, here and now, is the one to make the impact.

"No doubt, some of our players will not be there in two or three years' time. They have a lot less left in the tank. Unfortunately, it is not like other provinces where you can say that they will be at the business end.

"We might not even be in the first round proper in Ulster."

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