Derry’s senior footballers go into today’s clash with Westmeath at Celtic Park (throw-in 2.30pm) hoping to extend their excellent unbeaten start in the Allianz National Football League Division One.
Derry manager Brian McIver.
Impressive performances in their thrilling draw with North West neighbours Tyrone and a fantastic away win against Kerry last time out, sees Brian McIver’s side go into today’s clash as hot favourites to collect valuable two points.
McIver has made several changes to the side that overcame “the Kingdom” in their own backyard.
Mark Craig comes in at corner back in place of Declan Brown while Ciarán McFaul, Benny Heron and Cailean O’Boyle all come into attack, with Seán Leo McGoldrick and Kevin Johnston moving back into defence having started in the forward line against Kerry.
Aidan McAlynn and Niall Holly drop out, while Ciarán McGoldrick and Declan Mullan are unavailable.
A further boost for McIver is the return to training of the Ballinderry contingent, following their defeat to St. Vincent’s in the All-Ireland club semi-final.
However, the likes of Aaron Devlin, Ryan Bell and Gareth McKinless are unlikely to see game time until round four.
Westmeath, promoted along with Derry, are finding life tough in the top tier and already Paul Bealin’s side are playing catch up after losing their opening two games to Cork (0-18 to 0-10) and Dublin (0-14 to 1-7) respectively.
The two sides met twice in the league last year. Derry won their group game by 2-17 to 1-05 and were also successful on a scoreline of 1-18 to 0-15 when they met in the Division II league final in Croke Park.
The Derry team is:
Thomas Mallon (An Lúb); Mark Craig (Dún Geimhin), Chrissy McKaigue (Leacht Néill), Dermot McBride (Baile na Scrine); Kevin Johnston (Dún Geimhin), Gerard O’Kane (Gleann an Iolair), Sean Leo McGoldrick (Eoghan Rua); Fergal Doherty (Baile Eachaidh), Mark Lynch (Beannchar) captain; Ciaran McFaul (Gleann), James Kielt (Cill Ria), Enda Lynn (Grainlocha); Benny Heron (Baile na Scrine), Emmett McGuckin (Machaire Fíolta), Cailean O’Boyle (Leamhaigh).
Substitutes: Eoin McNicholl (Gleann an Iolair), Oisin Duffy (Forghleann), Aidan McAlynn (An Lúb), Declan Brown (Baile Eachaidh), Charlie Kielt (Cill Ria), Carlus McWilliams (Baile na Scrine), Conor McAtamney (Suaitreach), Patsy Bradley (Leacht Néill), Niall Holly (Eoghan Rua), Aaron Kerrigan (Clóidigh), Anthony O’Neill (An Lúb).
The game is part of a “double header” at Celtic Park and will be preceded by Derry’s hurlers clash with London in Allianz National Hurling League 2A (throw-in 12.30pm).
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