McGuinness not feeling Donegal promotion pressure

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness says early season form is likely to be up and down, but isn't feeling the pressure to earn promotion out of Division 2.

McGuinness’ competitive return to the Donegal hotseat began with a resounding 11-point victory over Cork reinforcing the notion that they one of the favourites to go up from the second tier.

At a windy MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey, the hosts used the elements in their favour to build-up a nine-point lead at the interval. While the Rebels threatened a comeback after a Chris Og Jones goal, the hosts reaffirmed their supremacy to run out comfortable winners.

Reflecting on the victory, McGuinness stated that while it was pleasing to open with a win, there were elements he was less than happy with.

"We got a bit of a lesson out around the middle for periods in the first half with breaking ball, we got turned over a lot," he told RTÉ Sport.

"We got caught with unforced errors, people not making eye contact, people slipping the ball and nobody being there.

"There is an awful lot to work on, but you’d expect that the first day.

"The most important thing is their attitude and the desire to play for their county. They brought that in the second half."

After last year’s relegation and dismal showing in Ulster, McGuinness’ return to management has lifted spirits within the county and many are backing them for an immediate return to the top-flight and a possible dark horse in this year’s championship.

Does McGuinness feel pressure to start the season with league promotion?

"I don’t feel that pressure at all," he said.

"There is an awful lot going on. You are bring a backroom together, players together. There are so many of those lads I don’t know enough about yet.

"He has every one of them