Mickey Whelan believes Dublin's superior quality can see them past Donegal's challenge on Sunday.

The veteran coach, who managed the Dubs for two years in the mid-1990s and was part of Pat Gilroy's backroom team when they defeated Donegal in the infamous 2011 All-Ireland SFC semi-final, insists Dublin have the players to overcome whatever game plan Donegal put before them.

"There is no such thing as a right or wrong system. If it works, and players buy into it, it can be really, really effective," Whelan is quoted in the Irish Times.

"Donegal haven't changed that much, but then it wouldn't surprise me if they changed almost totally. Like if Michael Murphy stayed up front. And Colm McFadden stayed back. Because he (McFadden) is not doing his job as effectively as a forward. He might do it better as a defender.

"And they probably do have a few more options. But nevertheless, because they've trained so much in a particular routine, you don't just switch over. I think they've decided that's still their best method of play.

"Most of that Donegal team also have an All-Ireland now. So it's not the be all and end all. That's not degrading them. It's an open enough game.

The St. Vincent's stalwart added: "If Donegal maximise their system, it will be interesting. It's nonsense to be giving out about that. Any manager would do it. And Jim McGuinness is no different.

"I just think Dublin have better players. That's what it comes down to. If we perform to our best, and they perform to their best, we will win."

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