Donegal's free-scoring corner back Frank McGlynn has been recalling how he started his football career as a forward.

The Glenfin man has been given a licence to roam by Jim McGuinness this year, and has been making the most of it with brilliant goals against Tyrone and Down in the Ulster SFC, and a sublime point against Cork in the All-Ireland semi-final.

He explained to The Irish Times: "Last year we had a successful campaign but chances to get forward were few and far between. I only came out from corner back the odd time. But lucky enough pushing out to the half back line for periods this year has given us more opportunities.

"And the team as a whole is getting forward and we are scoring more. I think I had popped over the odd point in the league before but this was my first championship score. I play half back all the time with the club. At underage I would have been half forward or even full forward . . . I seem to be going back all the time."

McGlynn insists that Mayo are every bit as hungry to get their hands on Sam as Donegal are.

"We played Dublin last year and got six points against them. Mayo got 0-19 (in the All-Ireland semi-final) which is a massive score against a defence like that. They were very impressive in the first half. I would be lying if I said I wasn't surprised but after 10 minutes, you got the sense Mayo were really up for this and they just seemed to get stronger and stronger in the first half.

"That period just before half-time was vital. They hit some massive scores and it shows they have players who are not afraid to take on their shots. If you were going in against Dublin, you would be wondering if they had the hunger. That won't be the case with Mayo. But this is all new for us and Mayo. They were last in an All-Ireland final in 2006 so some of their players have experienced it. They are going to have a huge appetite for this." Tweet

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