A few familiar faces are set to return to the Donegal squad to hand new Donegal manager Declan Bonner a big boost.
Bonner, who will be anxiously awaiting the 2018 Ulster SFC draw, which takes place tonight on RTÉ, is to welcome Odhrán Mac Niallais, Leo McLoone and Declan Walsh back onto the fold.
Mac Niallais and McLoone opted out of the Donegal panel in 2017.
Both played in America during the summer and returned to their clubs for the latter stages of the Donegal SFC, Mac Niallais playing in Gaoth Dobhair’s semi-final loss to McLoone’s Naomh Conaill.
McLoone featured in that semi-final and also played in their final defeat to Kilcar on Sunday.
McLoone won the All-Ireland with Donegal in 2012 while Mac Niallais played in the run to the 2014 All-Ireland SFC final.
Malin’s Walsh was also on the All-Ireland-winning squad in 2012 and has not played for Donegal since a 2015 qualifier win over Galway at Croke Park.
Ciaran McGinley and Stephen McBrearty from Kilcar’s Donegal SFC-winning side will be called up, as will Milford’s Gary Merritt and Four Masters’ Kevin McBrearty, while Bonner has confirmed that he will be including Dáire Ó Baoill from Gaoth Dobhair, Moville’s Tony McClenaghan and Stephen McMenamin of Red Hughs, who played for Bonner at Minor and U21 level.
Donegal can return to collective training on December 1.
