Jim McGuinness: It's great to have a leader like Michael Murphy amongst us

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness said he was delighted to have "a leader like that amongst us" after Michael Murphy made his return to competitive inter-county action after a two-and-a-half year absence.

The 35-year old Murphy was introduced to a huge ovation on the 44th minute and as the decibel levels rose, he was drawn into a shoving match with Armagh captain Aidan Forker who aimed a headbutt into the Donegal's star's chest and was sent off by referee Sean Hurson.

Murphy's arrival - and Forker's dismissal - was the cue for Donegal to steady the ship after a wobbly start to the second half in Ballybofey, which saw Armagh narrow the gap to three points.

The Ulster champions eased home from there, with Murphy himself - who played a part in introducing the new rules as an FRC member - kicking over 0-03 and setting up another score for Ciarán Thompson.

Donegal ran out to eight point winners to go top in Division 1, the only side in the top tier to retain a 100% record despite being yet to score a goal.

"We just felt this was the week he was ready to play," McGuinness told RTÉ Sport afterwards.

"We definitely didn't want to bring Michael back and him not to be at the level.

"A shout-out as well to the support team that have helped him since he's come back in to try and build his fitness and strength. And to put him in that position where he was able to come back and have an impact.

"It was great to see him out there from a Donegal point of view. Great to have a leader like that amongst us again on the pitch. And delighted for him that he managed to kick some fantastic scores, particularly the first one off his left foot.

"It took a lot of courage to kick that after a two year gap.

"There's nothing much left to say about Michael.