By Cian O'Connell

Donegal manager Declan Bonner hopes his team can summon a response against Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park on Saturday evening.

Dublin proved too strong for Donegal on the opening weekend of the All Ireland Quarter-Final Group Phase, but Bonner believes that the Ulster champions can deliver in the west.

"I just felt there was more in us, maybe it was that belief just to get over the line against Dublin," Bonner stated about his post match briefing with the Donegal players at GAA headquarters.

"Maybe sometimes teams just don't perform like they should, maybe too much respect at times, but you're playing against a real quality Dublin side.

"But listen we move on to Roscommon and the end message is that we have six days to get ready for a huge battle against Roscommon next Saturday."

Roscommon were comprehensively beaten by Tyrone, but Bonner isn't placing too much emphasis on that particular encounter.

"We've got a job to do, we've got to go to Hyde Park and we've got to get a result there, and preparations begin," Bonner says.

"That (Dublin) game, we'll take the positives from it, it's a huge learning curve for everyone out there, a lot of young lads getting game time against that quality opposition, so hopefully it will move them onto the next level."

Donegal competed well initially, but Dublin were that bit more clinical with Niall Scully planting a first half goal seconds after the impressive Jamie Brennan had squandered an opportunity for Bonner's charges.

"Those are the margins you talk about," Bonner admits. "But listen, you take the positives. It was always going to be difficult coming here. A lot of young lads getting game-time in Croke Park against a side like Dublin. 

"But our attention has to turn directly to Saturday evening against Roscommon in Dr Hyde Park. It’s a must-win match for us."