DUBLIN MANAGER JIM Gavin has named a strong side for Sunday’s Allianz Football League Division 1 meeting with Donegal in Ballybofey on Sunday.

With Dublin assured of a semi-final berth already, some expected him to give a number of fringe players minutes on the field and he has opted to make four changes from the side which defeat Down last month.

Philly McMahon, back after being on club duty with Ballymun Kickhams, comes in along with Michael Dara Macaulay,Tomas Brady and Paul Flynn.

There is still no place for Bernard Brogan, however, who is still nursing an injury.

Dublin team v Donegal: Stephen Cluxton; Kevin O’Brien, Phil McMahon, Darren Daly; Jack McCaffrey, Ger Brennan, Nicky Devereux; Michael Dara Macauley, Cian O’Sullivan; Paul Flynn, Tomas Brady, Bryan Cullen; Kevin McManamon, Paddy Andrews, Paul Mannion.

Kildare, meanwhile, bring in five players for their clash with Down at Pairc Esler.

Goalkeeper Shane Connolly, midfielder Daryl Flynn, wing-forward Daniel Flynn (a member of the county U21 team which won Leinster title on Wednesday night), corner-forward Johnny Doyle and full-forward Tomas O’Connor with Michael Donnellan, Hugh Lynch, Morgan O’Flaherty, Seanie Johnston, Ronan Sweeney dropping out.

Kildare team v Down: Shane Connolly; Ollie Lyons, Mick Foley, Hugh McGrillen; Emmett Bolton, Peter Kelly, Eoin Doyle; Daryl Flynn, Padraig O’Neill; Eoghan O’Flaherty, Eamonn Callaghan, Daniel Flynn; Johnny Doyle, Tomas O’Connor, Alan Smith.

Gooch and Galvin return for Kerry as Mayo and Tyrone sides also named

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