Jim McGuinness says Michael Murphy's return to Donegal was not difficult

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness said it was 'not a difficult conversation' to persuade Michael Murphy to return for 2026; Murphy came on as a second-half substitute in Donegal's Division One win after recovering from surgery.

Donegal manager Jim McGuinness confirmed it was "not a difficult conversation" to convince Michael Murphy to return to county colours for 2026. Murphy, 36, had come out of a two-year retirement for the 2025 campaign and played in Donegal's run to the All-Ireland final and the Ulster title. He had surgery after last season's final and had not played since the defeat by Kerry at Croke Park in July. He returned as a second-half substitute in Donegal's Division One win over Kerry in Ballyshannon. Key facts: - McGuinness said it "wasn't a difficult conversation" to bring Michael Murphy back for the 2026 campaign. - Murphy is 36 and returned to inter-county football in 2025 after a two-year retirement, taking part in Donegal's All-Ireland final run and Ulster title success. - He had surgery after the final, missed his club championship, and had not featured since the July defeat at Croke Park. - Murphy came on in the second half of Donegal's Division One win over Kerry in Ballyshannon, and McGuinness said the team will build his minutes in the weeks and months ahead. - Donegal have won their opening league fixtures and will prepare for a home game against Mayo in two weeks. Summary: Murphy's return provides Donegal with an experienced option while the manager manages his recovery and gradually increases his playing time. McGuinness said he will use the league to develop squad depth, and the team now focus on a home fixture against Mayo as their next match.