1. Con O’Callaghan, full-forward (Dublin)
The Cuala man captains Dublin, having put up some impressive scores in the championship to date. O’Callaghan arrives in the semi-final in a rich vein of form, with 4-29 to his name this summer.
The full-forward will have to be curbed if Donegal are to stand any chance of advancing to the All-Ireland decider. O’Callaghan is also a talented hurler and scored a point in Dublin’s Leinster minor hurling final defeat to Kilkenny back in July. A future star.
2. Jamie Brennan, full-forward (Donegal)
Donegal’s star corner-forward has goaled in all but one championship game so far this year. Brennan has 3-7 to his name, all from play, and forms a formidable looking inside forward line with John Campbell and Stephen McBrearty.
The Aodh Ruadh club man was part of the Donegal Vocational School side who claimed a fourth successive Ulster title last November. He is also a talented soccer player, having represented Donegal Youths in 2013.
3. Colm Basquel, centre-forward (Dublin)
Basquel has bagged 1-8 so far in the championship, but he is more of a provider than scorer in this Dublin side. Basquel, the younger brother of UCD forward Ryan, lines out at centre-forward. The Ballyboden St. Enda’s youngster is quick and has the ability to shoot off either foot.
4. Lorcan Connor, centre-forward (Donegal)
Donegal’s deadly accurate free-taker, Lorcan Connor is a key man in their side. Connor, who has amassed 0-14 to date, will line out at centre-forward and he certainly has tradition on his side. His father, Kevin ‘Cookie’ Gallagher, won an Ulster title with Donegal in 1991, while his uncle, John Connor, represented the minors in the early ’90s.
The Downings teenager was an ever present at 11 during Donegal’s 2013 campaign and this year picked up an Ulster league title as well as an Ulster title.
5. Chris Sallier, corner-forward (Dublin)
When Sallier gets the ball he has one thing on his mind – goals. The Thomas Davis poacher has bagged 5-5 en route to this stage and he brings a serious goal threat for the Dubs.
Sallier has scored four goals in his last three games, including two in the quarter-final win over Cork which proved the difference. He will take some watching by the Donegal full-back line on Sunday.
6. Stephen McBrearty, corner-forward (Donegal)
Another Donegal man family connections is Stephen McBrearty, young brother of senior star Paddy. The younger McBrearty has battled back from a couple of serious injuries over the past two years. He spent six-months on the sidelines with a cartilage injury in his knee suffered in late 2012 before missing the best part of a year having torn his cruciate ligaments last June.
McBrearty is an important player for Declan Bonner’s side since his return to full-fitness and has registered six points so far this summer. The Kilcar 18-year-old is currently nursing a hamstring problem which has rendered him a slight doubt to start on Sunday.
