Ex-Donegal boss reveals the one player who must be at his best in All-Ireland Final against Kerry
The introduction of the new playing rules have added to goalkeepers' responsibilities but Patton is certainly not weighed down by the burden with which he is confronted.
With the spotlight falling fairly and squarely on goalkeepers' kick-outs now and their brief in taking long-range frees including 'Fifties', the players wearing the No.1 shirt can find themselves immersed in non-stop action in certain games.
Patton is aware that Kerry will be on a goal hunt on Sunday just as they were in their Semi-Final against Meath when they totted up 3-26 to their opponents' 0-15 but this time round they might find scoring rather more difficult given Donegal's rigid defensive set-up.
Former Donegal manager Declan Bonner is convinced, though, that Patton can flourish on this occasion given his hunger for success.
'There is no doubt that Shaun is a very accomplished goalkeeper. He took time to get adjusted to the position but he is on top of his game right now,' maintains Bonner.
'He will have a big part to play for Donegal against a Kerry side which will be keen to ripple the net.'
His view is shared by current boss Jim McGuinness and every member of the Donegal squad.
'We have played 10 Championship matches within a restricted period and this has certainly shown that we can cope with pressure,' he says.
'We are hoping that we can keep things tight at the back and come out on the right side.'
Patton's goal-kicks and free kicks will be tested to the full tomorrow but given his ice-cool demeanour and accuracy they are likely to prove Donegal's first line of attack in their bid to unhinge their opponents' defence.
If Donegal are taking all possible steps to avert conceding a goal – or goals – Shane Ryan will again be between the posts for the Kingdom charged with keeping a clean sheet.
Given that in Jason Foley and Gavin White the Kingdom possess two of the best defenders in the country, Donegal might just have to dig deep into their skills set to put scores on the board.
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