Karl Lacey returns for Donegal ahead of Mayo clash

Declan Walsh makes way as 2012 Footballer of the Year returns to centre back

Donegal’s Karl Lacey (right) congratulates Monaghan’s Paul Finlay after the Ulster final. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho
Donegal’s Karl Lacey (right) congratulates Monaghan’s Paul Finlay after the Ulster final. Photograph: Donall Farmer/Inpho

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness has recalled Karl Lacey to the starting XV ahead of the All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Mayo in croke Park on Sunday (4pm).

The 2012 Footballer of the Year was left out of the line-up that took to the field against Laois in their fourth round qualifier win in Carrick-on-Shannon last weekend, but was introduced for Paddy McGrath in the second half.

Declan Walsh is the man to make way this week, as Lacey is named at centreback in the only change to the side that beat Laois after their shock defeat to Monaghan in the Ulster final.

Mark McHugh, who has been cleared of concussion, has been omitted while he continues his recovery from a quad muscle injury.

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Donegal (v Mayo): P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee; F McGlynn, K Lacey, A Thompson; N Gallagher, R Kavanagh; R Bradley, R McHugh, David Walsh; P McBrearty, M Murphy, C McFadden.