Dublin will have to adopt a patient approach when it comes to trying to unlock the Donegal defence on Sunday, warns Paul Flynn.

Looking back on the infamous 2011 All-Ireland SFC semi-final between the two counties, 'Footballer of the Year' contender Flynn told the Irish Independent: "It was a difficult game, really difficult.

"Donegal went ultra-defensive - they're not as defensive now as they were then.

"There was a defining moment when (Colm) McFadden had a shot at goal and (Stephen) Cluxton saved. If that had gone in, the game would have been different.

"It was difficult to get to grips with the fact that they played such a defensive system. Maybe you can anticipate it, but it's very hard to prepare for it.

"We're expecting something similar this time but I think we've got preparation in terms of the way Monaghan set up. It's not the exact same.

"It gave us a bit of an eye-opener to how difficult it's going to be (against Donegal). The first 20 minutes against Monaghan was tight. I imagine it's going to be like that for the whole game on Sunday."

The hard-working half-forward concluded: "Whatever way they set up will be the way they feel will most effectively nullify us and get the best out of themselves.

"If that means they go ultra-defensive, that's just the way it has to be. But we just have to find holes in that and be patient."

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