By John P Graham

Kieran Donnelly says his Scotstown team are coming up against “an exceptional team” in Coleraine this Sunday.

The Monaghan champions will look to reach their first Ulster club SFC final since losing out to Crossmaglen Rangers in 2015 and Donnelly accepts they’ve had things to work on since their three-point win over Burren ahead of what he feels will be a stern test against the Derry champions. 

"We definitely have but I suppose that's the way you want to go into any game, especially a semi-final,” Donnelly stated.

“We have loads to focus on, but these are extremely focused lads, they have trained really well all year, especially since the county final, but our full focus now will be on Coleraine who are an
exceptional team.

“They are a team of footballers as well, so we will definitely have to improve on our performance against Burren, but that was also a game that showed there is character in the side.”

Donnelly added that the hunger for a first senior provincial crown since 1989 is as strong as ever within the club.

“This is a group of players that want this competition and when you're back is to the wall that's when you want your players to show character and they definitely stepped up against Burren,” he outlined, “especially our big-name players big time and it was that that got us over the line the last day and can get us over the line, this time as well.

“Out of the pitch it is all down to the players and making the right decisions is essential, not taking the ball into contact being one and we had players out there the last day who demanded the ball and we got a couple of big scores at vital times and that's what you're looking for in tight situations.

“You need your key players on the ball and Sunday's game will be no different.”

Join the hoganstand.com match tracker on Sunday afternoon for live updates from the provincial club senior football and hurling championships.

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