Philly McMahon won't be surprised if Donegal put everyone behind the ball when they meet in Dublin in the All-Ireland SFC semi-final at the end of the month.

In the corresponding game two years ago, Jim McGuinness' men played just one forward - Colm McFadden - for long spells, but Dublin still managed to prevail on a 0-8 to 0-6 scoreline.

"From their previous experience, I think they probably will go defensive," said McMahon, who was voted the Sky Sports man of the match after Dublin's demolition of Monaghan.

"But look, you just don't know. They could go out the next day and play something different. We have to prepare for everything. It will be our game-plan that we will be really concentrating on."

The corner back believes competition for places has intensified since Dublin won Sam last September.

"I suppose the one change is in terms of the competition in the team - there are really good lads there who are pushing to get into the team and they didn't come on so that just shows you how much competition there is.

"Lads like Kevin Nolan, Davy Byrne - these guys are pushing and pushing in training and they didn't even get a chance. So it's great competition." Tweet

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