Derry boss, Damien Cassidy has made four changes to the team which beat Dublin last week for today's game against National Football League Division One leaders Galway. (Watty Graham Park, Maghera 2.30pm)
Surprisingly, Cassidy has left out both defenders Sean Martin Lockhart and Kevin McGuckin and has replaced them with former All-Star Kevin McCloy and young Ryan Dillon. Elsewhere, Patsy Bradley avails of the decision to leave out captain Fergal Doher
ty in midfield and the only other change sees Brian Mullan coming in for Enda Lynn at half-forward.
Cassidy’s decision to change the team for today’s NFL fixture comes as he continues with his objective to strengthen and deepen the panel before Derry’s opening game of the 2009 Championship against Monaghan on May 24.
Kevin McCloy started against Kerry in Bellaghy two weeks ago and was then omitted from the squad which lined out against Dublin last weekend. Speaking to the Sunday Journal, McCloy said that he was as surprised as he was happy to be included in the starting 15 for today’s game and affirmed that in preparation for the Championship a good performance is much more important than two points.
“I thought the team did really well against Dublin last weekend and I was surprised that there were so many changes for Sunday’s game with Galway. I am delighted with Damien’s decision to bring me into the team and hopefully I can do well.”
He continued: “Our season has been going very well. Obviously the most important thing to any inter county footballer is competing in the Championship and that’s what we are concentrating on. A win would be fantastic but ultimately Damien will be wanting a really good performance. Damien knows what he wants and we are definitely moving in the right direction.”
When asked for his opinion on today’s opponents McCloy said Galway will be a challenge and claimed that Tribesmen corner forward Michael Meehan is one of the best in the country.
“Galway are a very good team and in particular Michael Meehan is probably one of the best forwards in the country. It will be a real test for us and whoever is given the responsibility of containing him will have their hands full.
“As a defender Michael is the kind of player you want to try and mark. It’s something that our players will relish and I am sure whoever is given the responsibility of marking him will not fear the task. It will be a feather in the cap for who ever manages to contain him.”
Galway manager, Liam Sammon has also made four changes ahead of today’s game. Cormac Bane and Paul Conroy will take up the position of corner-forward from both Nicky Joyce and Mark Lydon with Damien Dunleavy dropping back to left half-forward. Elsewhere Gareth Bradshaw replaces Gary Sice at half right-back and U21 goalkeeper Adrian Faherty comes in for Paul Doherty.
DERRY: J.
