Kernan alters Armagh line-up
Thursday, 9 February 2006 12:34Armagh manager Joe Kernan has made three changes to his side for Sunday's Allianz NFL Division 1B trip to face Meath in Navan (throw-in 2.30pm).
The league champions, who are currently short of 12 panellists due to injuries and unavailability, were edged out by Kildare at Crossmaglen last weekend and face "a big examination", in the opinion of Kernan, against Meath.
The Orchard changes see 2003 All-Star Francie Bellew return at full-back after a bout of flu, while Paddy McKeever and Peadar Toal come into the attack.
Bellew is an indirect replacement for crocked wing back Andy Mallon, who injured his hamstring before half-time against Kildare.
Up front, Paul Keenan and Liam O'Hare make way for experienced duo McKeever and Toal, who make up two-thirds of the full-forward line.
2002 All-Ireland winning captain Kieran McGeeney also switches back from midfield into his usual centre half-back role, Gareth Swift moves to midfield and Charlie Vernon, who deputised for Bellew in the number 3 jersey last week, is shunted up to right half-forward.
Armagh's casualty list currently includes Ronan Clarke, Brian Mallon, new captain Paul McGrane, Martin and Aidan O'Rourke, Malachy Mackin, Aaron Kernan and Oisin McConville.
ARMAGH (NFL v Meath): C McKinney, P Duffy, F Bellew, E McNulty, JP Donnelly, K McGeeney, C McKeever, J McEntee, G Swift, C Vernon, S Kernan, T McEntee, S McDonnell (capt), P McKeever, P Toal.
