RORY GALLAGHER says that he has been impressed by the impact of ex-Leitrim player Paul Brennan in the Donegal squad.
Brennan played for Leitrim until he signed for Bundoran from Melvin Gaels late in 2014.
While he was tipped to join the Donegal panel at that stage, the tough defender is only now linking up with the Tir Chonaill men – and is expected to debut in Sunday’s League clash with Kerry in Letterkenny.
“I’ve been very impressed with Paul. The first thing about him is that he’s mad keen to play at this level,” Gallagher said.
“He’s had a couple of years out of it with Leitrim, but he has kept himself in exceptional shape.”
[adrotate group=”46″]Brennan won an Intermediate title with Bundoran in 2015 and has been on Gallagher’s radar for some time.
The Donegal manager said: “When I spoke to him in September, he absolutely knuckled down. He got himself leaner – he was probably carrying a bit more bulk playing club football in the last couple of years.
“We spoke about that and he’s got himself in serious shape. It’s great coming in at the start, and he’s enjoying his football and his training.
“He’s a very, very committed lad. We have played four challenges, and he’s improved game on game. Training with the quality players that we have – I think he’s enjoying it.”
Gallagher has lost several experienced campaigners from his ranks, meaning that Brennan could prove a vital acquisition. Brennan will bring real physicality to a Donegal side that has lost the likes of Eamon McGee, Rory Kavanagh, Christy Toye and Leo McLoone.
Gallagher said: “That’s the way he plays his football and we don’t always produce players like that in Donegal. He likes the physical edge, and the other boys are learning a bit from him too.”
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