Three second-half goals helped Derry to a 3-14 to 1-15 victory over Donegal in Sunday's All-Ireland SFC Group 4 game at MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey.
The Ulster champions were deserving winners on the day but there were some encouraging signs for Donegal with Oisin Gallen impressing in the full forward line throughout - and Paddy McBrearty marking his return from a long injury lay-off when introduced in the second-half, with a point.
Despite the loss, Donegal are already assured of at least an All-Ireland preliminary quarter-final place - as Clare, who lost to Monaghan in Clones by five points, cannot now make the knockout stages from Group 4.
Sunday's All-Ireland SFC Group 4 results
Donegal 1-15 Derry 3-14
Monaghan 1-23 Clare 1-18
The neutral venues for the Donegal v Monaghan and Derry v Clare games on June 17th will be confirmed by Croke Park on Tuesday.
