Peter Canavan picks Donegal to prevail in Ulster decider after extra time

Peter Canavan is predicting a final which will reflect the competitive nature of Ulster football when Jim McGuinness's Donegal and Kieran McGeeney's Armagh lock horns in their provincial decider in Clones on Sunday afternoon.

The Orchard County last hoisted the Anglo-Celt Cup aloft in 2008, with some asserting that McGeeney's charges will 'want it more' and that such a factor could sway the encounter.

However, Canavan isn't placing much credence in such hackneyed rationale and, after much deliberation, the five-time Ulster champion plumped for the Tír Chonaill men on the RTÉ GAA podcast.

"I can't see it going any other way but extra time, and I hope it doesn't go to penalties," the Errigal Ciarán legend said.

"There are a lot of people thinking that it's Armagh's time, that they've waited long enough, they've been there, they've been knocking on the door.

"That's true, there's no doubt. I think the greater hunger is bound to come from the Orchard County.

"But the fact that they keep getting there and can't get over the line doesn't mean to say that they should or that they will.

"Donegal, on the balance of play, I think they're more natural ball players, more natural footballers.

"If Armagh do decide to get the bodies back, I think Donegal have the greater capacity to score from distance. They have got the ball carriers as well.

"They've got Peter Morgan, Darryl Boyes, Shane O'Donnell, Ryan McHugh. But they've also got Ciarán Thompson, Paddy McBrearty and Oisín Gallen, who can score from distance.

"I've given Armagh a vote of confidence in that I felt that they were always going to get to an Ulster final.

"But I would say, if you're pushing me, Donegal after extra time."

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