Former Cork midfielder Derek Kavanagh says the Rebels are coming up against “the form team in Ireland” in Jim McGuinness’s Donegal side this weekend.

After their come from behind victory over Meath last time out, John Cleary’s men get set to travel to take on the Allianz League champions in Ballybofey on Saturday (3pm).

Speaking to EchoLive.ie this week, Kavanagh says the draw couldn’t have been tougher for the Leesiders but he still believes the visitors can deliver a performance at MacCumhaill Park.

“Donegal coming out first, you’re like, ‘Oh God.’ You’d be hoping to skip that one,” said the 2010 All-Ireland winner.

“They’re the form team in Ireland at the moment. It’s pretty daunting to have to go up there. They’re showing they’re the best team in the country so far.

“For Cork, there was great energy against Meath last time out. You could feel it. The celebrations after the game were lovely. I was on the pitch with my kids afterwards. I was hoping for another day in Páirc Uí Rinn.

“It’s just a pity that they have to have the long journey up the country."

He added: “Everyone is writing off Cork. With all of the mental conditioning and sports psychology that goes on, you kind of like to think that players become immune to all the talk. It does seep in, it always seeps in, because every player is exposed to it at work and college and things like that, where all these things are seeping in.” 

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