Morgan and O Se renew rivalry

NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE: Billy Morgan's first competitive team selection since his return to the helm of the Cork footballers is an experienced line-up.

Eleven of the starting 15 that bowed out of the championship after defeat by Roscommon in last year's qualifiers are included, as are two of that day's substitutes.

The only newcomer in the team to face Westmeath at Páirc Uí Rinn under lights this Saturday in the first round of the NFL is Castlehaven's Dermot Hurley, who comes in at centrefield to partner Nicholas Murphy.

The only other change sees the return of Philip Clifford, who captained the county to their league title in 1999 but who played no part in last year's campaign.

Not available from the championship team are Colin Corkery and Niall Geary, who are injured, Brendan Jer O'Sullivan, who is abroad, and Seán Levis.

There are, however, some positional changes. Derek Kavanagh starts at full back, his debut in the position at senior level but one in which he has experience.

Asked how he was enjoying his return to league action, Morgan said: "I'll tell you on Saturday evening."

The team has played well in challenge matches, including a win over Galway.

"Challenges only tell you so much," said the Cork manager. "Westmeath have a big advantage having played four competitive matches in the O'Byrne Cup."

Co-incidentally, Morgan's last league win was the 1996 quarter-final against Kerry during the first year of Páidí Ó Sé's management. When the result was reversed in the following July's Munster final, Morgan stepped down after 10 years in charge.

Ó Sé will be in the opposing dugout again this weekend as he takes Westmeath into national competition for the first time in the Division One A fixture. Last year's Division Two winners will be again missing Dessie Dolan, who isn't fully recovered from injury.

Meanwhile, holders and All-Ireland champions Tyrone have deferred team selection for Sunday's NFL opener against Dublin. Manager Mickey Harte has injury concerns over three key players for the Parnell Park tie.

Cormac McAnallen trained at Edendork but remains doubtful due to a knee injury, and news was awaited from Stephen O'Neill, currently based in England, on his damaged collarbone. Gerard Cavlan is also in the doubtful category, while Peter Canavan and Philip Jordan are definitely out.

Opponents Dublin won't name their team until tomorrow with a number of players involved in Sigerson Cup matches.

Last year's finalists and Leinster champions Laois are expected to announce their side tonight for the trip to Limerick this Sunday. Mick O'Dwyer is expected to name a strong team.

Three of the championship side are injured. Both Gary Kavanagh and Aidan Fennelly had knee operations before Christmas, and whereas the prognosis on Fennelly is encouraging and he may be back before the end of the league, Kavanagh's cruciate injury will probably keep him out for the year. All Star nominee Ross Munnelly is also unavailable for three weeks because of damaged shoulder ligaments.

Five of last year's panel have dropped out: Damien Delaney, Hugh Emerson, Stephen Kelly, Kieran Kelly and Derek Conroy.

Armagh manager Joe Kernan has a few injury concerns. John McEntee is a long-term absentee with a pelvic strain, which has laid him up since before Christmas. He is expected to miss the whole league campaign.

"We've also a few niggling problems," said Kernan.

"Kieran McGeeney, Diarmuid Marsden, Oisín McConville, Ronan Clarke and Steven McDonnell are all troubled, but I'd be hopeful Steven could play."