Listen to the full interview via the podcast
After the highs of 2011 and 2012, last year proved to be a disappointment for Donegal as they limped out of the Ulster and All Ireland Championships.
But Donegal captain Michael Murphy did not hide his optimism about 2014 when he spoke to Ger ahead of the Ulster final against Monaghan.
"It's nice to look around you in the training ground and see the players have minutes under their belt in terms of game time already this year. It really gives you confidence going out onto the field. That there is where the good feeling is coming from within us at the moment. We'd also like to think there are general improvements," said the Donegal captain, who also feels he is benefiting from the fact that he no longer has to travel to college in Dublin.
Murphy and co will be looking to get revenge on Monaghan after losing 0-13 to 0-7 in last year's decider.
But the full forward is optimistic that greater squad depth will give him and his team-mates a better chance of success this time round.
"The lads like Darrach [O'Connor] and Odhran [Mac Niallais] were fantastic in the last game and Ryan McHugh. They really stepped up and I think that's the case now with the young players around the country. They're able to come in and impact. The three of those lads are fantastic fellas and are mad to learn."
He is also impressed by the way the newcomers have adapted to the modern demands of an intercounty career.
"There's more facets to the game in terms of strength and conditioning, nutrition, tactics and general lifestyle. It's all thrown at you at senior level. I was looking around me for the first couple of months and year, and trying to figure out what's going on. [Now I think] there's more of a gradual approach of coming through development squads and them looking at all those different facets, so it's a gradual learning curve. So it's easier for them to make that transition."
Under Armour Ambassadors Michael Murphy, Liam Rushe, Daniel Goulding and Sinead Goldrick were at Dublin's National Athlete Development Academy today to learn about the benefits of Under Armour's HeatGear(r) technology. HeatGear(r) allows athletes to stay cool, dry and light while training. For further information log on to www.underarmour.com
