Donegal have been dealt a blow ahead of the new season, as 2012 All-Ireland winner Leo McLoone has made himself unavailable for selection for 2017.

McLoone was a key member of Jim McGuinness' all conquering side four years ago, but has yet to make a marked impression on new manager Rory Gallagher. He started none of Donegal's Championship games this year.

The Naomh Conaill clubman confirmed to the news to Donegal Democrat that he has opted out of Rory Gallagher’s squad for next season.

The paper go on to say that "he did not wish to comment further on his decision at this point". He go no reason for his departure from the team.

McLoone made 12 appearances for Donegal this year. Of these games he started seven; three in the Dr McKenna Cup and four in the Allianz Football League.

This is his second time he has decided to opt out of the squad. He missed the first half of the 2015 season because of this and only joined Gallagher’s squad for the first time ahead of that summer’s Ulster final meeting with Monaghan.