Reynolds is main Meath concern

Derry and Meath are expected to have full-strength line-ups this evening when they announce their teams for Sunday's National Football League final in Croke Park.

Meath's main injury concern is over half back Paddy Reynolds, who was replaced after half an hour in the Kerry match with a cut ear. His return will depend on this evening's training, a scenario also facing full back Darren Fay.

"Darren continues to be troubled by a back injury which is limiting his training," said county selector Frank Foley yesterday. "Other than that, the rest of the lads appear to be fine but we'll have to wait and see how it goes this evening."

A challenge match with Sligo on Sunday provided Derry manager Eamonn Coleman with some final pointers to his possible selection - Derry won the game 2-14 to 1-10. But with no injured players to worry about, there are unlikely to be any surprises when the team is announced after training tonight.

Derry's request to postpone their championship opener against Cavan - set for the following Sunday, May 14th, at Breffni Park - appears certain to be turned down. Ulster Council chairman Danny Murphy had stated that such a move would set a "dangerous precedent" for the future.

"We haven't heard any response as yet so we're going on the premise that we have to play the two games in seven days," said Derry county spokesperson Gerry Donnelly yesterday. "Playing a physical side like Meath is only part of the problem because you have to remember that if we are beaten then it can be very hard to get up again for a championship game so soon after."

Meath manager Sean Boylan is also expected to name his side after training this evening although a little more time may be required. This is the first time the whole panel will train together since their dramatic turnaround against Kerry in the semi-final last Sunday week as they broke from training last week because of club commitments.

The Division Two final between Offaly and Louth will precede the Derry-Meath match. Both counties are expected to select teams this evening.

TIPPERARY (MF v Clare, in Limerick tomorrow): B Enright; N Sheehan, T Conway, L Kelly; C Ryan, M Phelan, M McKeogh; G Byrne, D O'Brien; J Sweeney, A Ryan, G Burke; P Whelan, A Dundon, S McKeogh.

WATERFORD (MF v Limerick): B O'Brien; J O'Reilly, G Hayes, M Crotty; N Hennessy, AN Other, E Mernin; A O'Loughlin, P Beausang; P Power, M Walsh, Michael Power; B Harty, E Walsh, C O'Connor.