Shay Given has revealed how fired up he got when training with the Donegal footballers.

The Republic of Ireland goalkeeping legend trained with Jim McGuinness' charges during the summer and he says the sessions were fairly intense:

"It was nice to train with them in the summer and to see the commitment and the work rate. Even the temperament. I was in a huddle with them and just to see the way Jim was getting them pepped up - I was wanting to start to swing for people, he had them pepped up that much!

"So you can only imagine what Sunday was like in the changing room before the game and at half time. He's a sports psychologist, a great manager, a fantastic guy as well, and we're lucky Donegal have him."

Given is confident that the Tir Chonail men can defeat Kerry in the All-Ireland final on Sunday fortnight to claim their second Sam Maguire Cup success in three years:

"Course they can win the All Ireland," he is quoted in The Irish Examiner. "Sunday was a massive game for them. I just hope they don't get too carried away with it now because obviously Dublin were 1/10, and no-one gave Donegal a prayer. The commitment to the cause up there is phenomenal. So it didn't surprise me but I'm just delighted that they pulled it off.

"I was travelling back when the second half was on but I was getting updates with different people texting me. It was great for the county and, as I said, hopefully they don't get carried away because that was near enough a cup final for them.

"Jim and Pat Shovlin are good friends, we've built up a good relationship over the last couple of years."

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