Jim McGuinness has handed Darrach O’Connor a National League debut following his impressive performances for Donegal in the Dr McKenna cup campaign. 
The little corner forward was in sparkling form during pre-season and impressed in games against Tyrone, Armagh and St.Mary’s.
With Patrick McBrearty still not fully fit after a lengthy lay off with injury, Sunday provides O’Connor with another opportunity to stake his claim for a regular starting berth.
McGuinness has named a strong side for the opening fixture of the National League campaign with ten players that started against Mayo in the the All-Ireland Final in 2012 being named to face Laois on Sunday.
Odhran Mac Niallais has also been rewarded for his consistent performances in the McKenna cup and is named at wing-half forward.
Mark McHugh and Ryan McHugh are back in the Donegal side after being unavailable for the McKenna Cup due to their obligation to play for Sligo IT in the FBD league.
Martin McElhinney is another player named to start on Sunday who missed out on action for Donegal due to college commitments with St.Mary’s.
He is set to partner Rory Kavanagh at midfield.
Donegal fans will be boosted by the news that Karl Lacey starts Sunday’s match after an injury blighted 2013 campaign for the 2012 footballer of the year.
The Donegal team announced to face Laois at the weekend is
Foireann Dhún na nGall v Laois, Sraith Allianz Roinn 2
1.Paul Durcan
2.Karl Lacey
3.Neil McGee
4.Ryan McHugh
5.Frank McGlynn
6.Leo McLoone
7.Anthony Thompson
8.Rory Kavanagh
9.Martin McElhinney
10.Mark McHugh
11.Dermot Molloy
12.Odhrán Mac Niallais
13.Colm McFadden
14.Michael Murphy
15.Darrach O’Connor