Crawford and O'Reilly return

Midfielder Nigel Crawford and All-Star Mark O'Reilly were last night named on the Meath team as the All-Ireland winning squad celebrated what is being seen as the vindication of Ollie Murphy.

Although the All-Star forward did receive a month for his dismissal against Derry in the last league game, he was cleared of the offence of using his head to strike an opponent.

"The Meath camp are absolutely delighted that both Sean and Ollie have been vindicated. Sean had been adamant from the outset that his player had not been guilty of the striking offence and Ollie himself had also maintained his innocence. Although he will be unavailable for the next month, everyone in the camp is extremely happy that the issue has been cleared," commented Meath PRO Brendan Cummins last night.

The issue, which has dragged on since that turbulent tie with Derry, threatened to overshadow Meath's preparation for what is essentially a relegation tie against Mayo. Sean Boylan, however, has been able to choose from an extended panel, despite the enforced absence of Murphy.

While O'Reilly was introduced as a substitute against Derry and Crawford was on the bench that day, both players have been absent since undergoing surgery prior to Christmas. O'Reilly will deputise at full back for the absent Darren Fay, one of the many players of Meath's All-Ireland winning side currently suffering from inevitable wear and tear.

Also returning to the team is Jody Devine. Nigel Nestor, another player of whom Boylan has coaxed a massive return, comes in at wing forward.

Nigel Crawford and Stephen Dillon pair up at midfield in the continuing absence of John McDermott, who has just returned to light training.

Kildare, still reeling from the confirmation that Niall Buckley has left the panel, have been forced to leave three spots vacant on their side. It is hoped that Cathal Sheridan may recover in time to fill one of the forward vacancies.

Mayo manager Pat Holmes has recalled two names synonymous with the Maughan years as the Connacht champions look to shake off an unprecedented run of apathetic league form. David Brady, the rangy Ballina midfielder has been offered the opportunity to re-assert his claims for the central berth, partnering Rory Hannick, who made his debut a fortnight ago against Roscommon. Brady's chance arose after Pat Fallon succumbed to an injury.

The turn of All-Star James Horan after a prolonged rest will also enhance the teams stuttering attack.

There is one vacancy in the Roscommon defence as they prepare to host struggling Armagh in a match which could propel them into the league semi-finals. Roscommon stuttered against Kerry after a flawless league campaign and while they were defensively quite solid in that match, they struggled a little for imagination.

Denis Gavin returns at cornerback in place of Enon Gavin while Clifford McDonald has been given time to see if he can recover fitness before Sunday.

Sligo are pushing for the top slot of Division 1A with a win against injury ravaged Kildare. Sligo's one casualty, Nigel Clancy, has, as expected, been replaced by Noel McGuire.

KILDARE: E Murphy; B Lacey, AN Other, K Doyle; D Hughes, G Ryan, J Finn; D Early, D Hynan; C O'Reilly, E McMcCormack, M Lynch; P Graven, AN Other, AN Other.

MEATH: C Sullivan; P Shankey, M O'Reilly, C Murphy; H Traynor, A Moyles, R Kealy; N Crawford, S Dillon; T Giles, J Devine N Nestor; D Curtis, G Geraghty, R Fitzsimons.

SLIGO (SF v Kildare): P Walsh; M Cosgrove, N Maguire, B Philips; M Langan, D Durkin, R Keane; E O'Hara, P Durcan; K Giblin, P Taylor, S Davey; T Brennan, K Killeen, G McGowan.

MAYO (SF v Meath); P Burke; K Mortimer, K Cahill, A Higgins; D Higgins, J Nallen, B Ruane; D Brady, R Hannick; C McMenamon, K McDonald, J Gill; S Gordon, J Horan, T Mortimer.

ROSCOMMON (SF v Armagh): A Thompson; S Gavin, J Whyte, R Owens; B Mannion, B Bourke, AN Other; J Gilhooly, D Casserly; D Duggan, F Grehan, S Casey; F O'Donnell, S Lohan, F Lohan.

KERRY (SH v GALWAY): O Thornton; M Hanafin, M McCarthy, M O'Carroll; WJ Lean, A Healy, A Cronin; P Cronin, D SLattery; J Maher, S Fitzgerald, I Brick; M Slattery, JJ Canty, T Halloran.