DONEGAL CAPTAIN Michael Murphy did not have surgery earlier this week – and officials are confident the forward will be fit in time for the championship.

Murphy sustained a knee injury in last Saturday night’s clash with Dublin at Croke Park but, contrary to reports, no corrective surgery was required.

However, he had an exploratory examination procedure under anaesthesia at the Sports Surgery Clinic in Santry, which showed up collateral ligament damage.

Murphy has been put on an intensive four-to-six-week rehab programme by surgeon Ray Moran and, while he will miss the crunch league clash with Armagh on Sunday-week, he is expected to be able to lead his team out for their Championship opener against Cavan on May 20th.

It was reported earlier in the week the Glenswilly clubman had undergone surgery, however no reconstructive operation was performed.

The DCU student didn’t sustained any damage to his cruciate or knee cartilage and Donegal medical staff are confident he will be in line to face Cavan.

Murphy was forced off 11 minutes from the end of Saturday’s game against Dublin.

After a collision with a Dublin player, Murphy initially resisted the frantic efforts of team doctor Kevin Moran to persuade him to leave the field, but after attempting to play on the player was unable to last and was replaced by Adrian Hanlon.

In January, Murphy had a corrective procedure to cure a Gilmore’s Groin complaint.