Kernan rings in the changes
Friday, 3 March 2006 14:55Armagh will be without Kieran McGeeney for Sunday's NFL Division 1B clash with Galway, at Crossmaglen on Sunday at 2.30pm, due to a bout of tonsilitis for the former captain.
Three-time All-Star McGeeney arrived at training yesterday with the illness, and his place at centre back has gone to the repositioned Ciaran McKeever.
Armagh boss Joe Kernan, who brought his panel to Barcelona recently on a three-day training stint, has made six changes to the side that lost to Meath by seven points.
At the back, goalkeeper Paul Hearty returns in place of Ciaran McKinney, dual player Paul McCormack makes way for Andy Mallon at right corner back and Aaron Kernan comes in as an indirect replacement for McGeeney.
The fit-again Paul McGrane links up with John McEntee at midfield with Gareth Swift losing out.
In attack, Oisin McConville, who lined out in a challenge match against Louth last weekend, returns from injury to make his first start of 2006.
McConville and Brian Mallon both come into the full-forward line with Peadar Toal and Tony McEntee, who is expected to be sidelined for six weeks with an ankle injury, making way. Michael O'Rourke also replaces his fellow U21 Charlie Vernon in the half-forwards.
After defeats by Kildare and Meath, this is a must-win game for the 2005 NFL champions.
ARMAGH (NFL v Galway) - P Hearty; A Mallon, F Bellew, E McNulty; A Kernan, C McKeever, JP Donnelly; P McGrane, J McEntee; P McKeever, S Kernan, M O'Rourke; S McDonnell, O McConville, B Mallon.
