Mark McHugh’s Donegal future in doubt after Rory Gallagher confirms he is training solo

Out in the cold, but training away like a demon.

Mark McHugh has not exactly enjoyed the easiest of rides in his Donegal career. In the five years since the 25-year-old made his inter-county debut, he has battled into the starting line-up, won an All-Ireland [2012], dropped out of the panel [2014], and returned to link up with his brother, Ryan [2015]. The forward was initially named in Donegal's panel for their Dr McKenna Cup matches but manager Rory Gallagher has now released him. Gallagher gave Donegal Sport Hub no indication of McHugh's return for the Allianz League campaign. He said:

"At present he is not in the squad, but he is working on his own individual strength and conditioning programme under our supervision."

Donegal defeated Down 1-11 to 0-11 in their 2016 opener. Gallagher was in good spirits after the game and joked about being forced to play star forward Michael Murphy by the county board. Donegal play St. Mary's in their next cup fixture.