CIARAN MCFAUL HAS been recalled to the Derry senior football squad for their Ulster SFC opener against Fermanagh on Saturday evening (5pm).
The Glen clubman resumed training with the panel following his return from America last month.
Oak Leaf boss Rory Gallagher has named him among the substitutes, wearing the number 21, for their championship opener in Brewster Park.
Otherwise, Gallagher’s team shows just one change from the starting XV which lined out in the defeat to Dublin in the Division 2 league final.
Chrissy McKaigue returns to the full-back line having missed out on the league final through injury.
Conor Glass, who limped off early in the second half against the Dubs with a hamstring injury, looks set to win his fitness race and is named in midfield alongside Brendan Rogers.
Derry SF (v Fermanagh): 1. Odhran Lynch (Magherafelt); 2. Chrissy McKaigue (Slaughtneil), 3. Padraig McGrogan (Newbridge), 4. Conor McCluskey (Magherafelt); 5. Conor Doherty (Newbridge), 6. Gareth McKinless (Ballinderry), 7. Padraig Cassidy (Slaughtneil); 8. Conor Glass (Glen), 9. Brendan Rogers (Slaughtneil); 10. Niall Toner (Lavey), 11. Paul Cassidy (Bellaghy), 12. Ethan Doherty (Glen); 13. Benny Heron (Ballinascreen), 14. Shane McGuigan (Slaughtneil), 15. Niall Loughlin (Greenlough).
I think considering the circumstances, Dillane could have been relased
@jay bernard: wouldn’t look good for Andy Farrell if one of the starting locks picks up
an injury and Dillane is playing with Connacht
Even if Gallagher was fit it would be something. Would any other province be left with one squad lock and one academy lock? Surely they should be allowed a medical joker? This is a huge game in regards the pool too
That weakened second row likely to cost Connacht you’d think? Murray is still very raw and even though Maksymiw has shown up more this season together they are big step down from Dillane, Roux and Thornbury.
I haven’t seen Jonny Murphy this season I think? I’ll be interested to see how he goes when he comes in, I guess a lot of that will depend on how the game is going at that point.
Interesting to see Eoghan Masterson back on the bench, no word on whether he is extending his contract or throwing his lot in with Scotland?
@Darragh Murray: absolutely will, squad wise Edinburgh have a massive edge especially at home. Murray is talentrd but physically a couple of years away from being ready for this level. Really disappointed that Copeland is yet again not listed in a Connacht squad. Utter waste of talent, at his best he should have been pushing Heaslip for the Ireland jersey but since Cardiff he’s been real flanker injury / attitude wise…
Edinburgh are a top top side even without their international contingent. Can’t see anything other than an Edinburgh win.
Copeland injured?
@s mc: isn’t he always? Either that or again out-of-favour, although I’d have thought he could have done a job in the second row for this one. Connacht unlikely to beat Edinburgh away with Maksymiw and Murray at second row.
@David Finn:
I like Murray as a player but he is still fierce light… Bundi weights more than him and he is 8 inches taller. I think he is only a few months out of playing for the U20 this season again…
I think Joe is improving but he is in tough position that our main three 2nd rows are international class. Thornbury has everything but the cap, injury has been his curse.
IT is a big game for the two of them but they are surrounded with our best and they can make a name for themselves. Good Luck…
Jesus, that’s a big Edinburgh pack compare to Connaughts.
@Harry O’Callaghan:
Connacht is giving away an average of a stone a man…. Second rows alone are giving over 5 stone… Lineouts and open field running lads, less of the scrums..