RYAN McHUGH is chuffed Donegal “leader” Michael Murphy is back to spearhead their league and Championship hopes.
The 2012 All-Ireland-winning captain came on after 44 minutes and scored 0-3 in last Sunday’s 0-21 to 1-10 victory over 14-man Armagh.
The 35-year-old retired from inter-county football in November 2022 but performed a shock U-turn.
McHugh, 30, is buzzing to have their icon back ahead of a trip to face Galway in a battle of the top two in Division 1 on Sunday.
The Kilcar man said: “It’s unbelievable.
“There’s not much more you can say about what Michael has given to his county. To put the boots back on again is unbelievable.
“He’s just a leader on and off the pitch. He showed that for the wee glimpse he was on.
“You want all the best players involved in the squad and in the set-up, driving us on every single night, so it’s great to have him back.”
Murphy’s introduction clearly irked the Orchard as their skipper Aidan Forker was sent off for headbutting the Glenswilly man just seconds after he came on.
McHugh added: “He’s a phenomenal footballer, and he’s only hopefully going to improve us.”
Meanwhile, Aidan Forker was likened to Zinedine Zidane for the moment of madness that saw him shown a straight red card against Donegal.
The Armagh stalwart was shown his marching orders following a bizarre incident involved Michael Murphy in Ballybofey.
The Donegal man had only moments earlier made his return following a two-year hiatus, much to the delight of fans.
He immediately tussled with old enemy Forker, with the two men pushing and shoving the other.
Then, in a moment of madness, Forker headbutted Murphy in his chest, leaving the referee with no choice but to brandish the red card.
Fans immediately compared him to Zinedine Zidane, who was famously sent off for headbutting Marco Materazzi in the 2006 World Cup final.
