Derry boosted by duo's return

Derry manager Mickey Moran brought two of his most valuable players back into the team for tomorrow's fourth round qualifier tie against Laois after Fergal Doherty and Enda Muldoon both came through training last night.

Doherty's return is the most impressive as it seemed his championship campaign was over after damaging ankle ligaments just over a month ago when falling awkwardly in the closing stages of Derry's victory over Down.

Muldoon has been hampered by injuries, and a loss of form, all season. However, just when he seemed to be returning to last year's All-Star award standard, by scoring an early goal in that victory over Down, he picked up a thigh strain playing for his club Ballinderry three weeks ago.

The duo's return is a huge boost for Derry as they face a full strength Laois in Croke Park to earn the right to play either Armagh or Dublin in the All-Ireland quarter-finals.

With Doherty back in midfield, Johnny McBride reverts to the half forwards in a timely switch considering the loss of Gavin Donaghy to another ankle problem last Sunday in training.

Paul McFlynn is also ruled out through injury with Pauric Kelly taking his place in defence, while Gerard O'Kane is preferred over Michael Kelly at corner back.

Meanwhile, Tyrone have left Ryan McMenamin's position open as they seek the possibility of an appeal hearing tonight.

"Our understanding is the GAA, to prevent court injunctions, held appeals quicker so time should not be a problem," said Tyrone secretary Dominic McCaughey.

Regardless, it is unlikely the four week suspension will be overturned ahead of tomorrow's fourth round qualifier against Monaghan so there are several changes Harte can make to cover the corner back slot.

Mickey Magee and Joe McMahon are the natural defensive reserves within the panel, while switching Conor Gormley back from midfield to his more natural inter-county role is another option.

This is an unlikely move due to the loss of three midfielders from last year's panel and considering Gormley has become an ideal foil for Sean Cavanagh. Kevin Hughes is still abroad, while Collie Holmes and Ciaran Gourley are injured.

One significant change from the Ulster final line-up sees Owen Mulligan finally regain a starting berth at half forward ahead of Martin Penrose who broke into the team during this year's league campaign.

Mulligan was introduced along with Peter Canavan during the Ulster final replay.

Canavan is held is reserve once again, although that is another potential remedy to the McMenamin scenario.

It is increasingly likely their opponents Monaghan will name Rory Woods in their full forward line with Stephen Gallogly switched back to the 'forty'.

Mayo also announced a team for Sunday's All-Ireland quarter-final against Kerry. Team captain Ciarán McDonald is moved to full forward from the start after an effective performance there against Cavan. This means Billy Joe Padden is named in the half forward line with Alan Dillon at centre half forward.

Trevor Mortimer is back from suspension and named ahead of his younger brother Conor at corner forward. Corner backs Keith Higgins and Trevor Howley have recovered from injury but will start on the bench.

Ten of the players that started last years All-Ireland final against Kerry are retained. This includes the complete defensive six.

DERRY (SFC v Laois): B Gillis; K McGuckian, K McCloy, G O'Kane; Francis McEldowney, SM Lockhart, P Kelly; Patsy Bradley, F Doherty; P Murphy, E Bradley, J McBride; M Lynch, Paddy Bradley, E Muldoon.

TYRONE (SF v Monaghan): P McConnell; AN Other, C Lawn, S Sweeney; D Harte, G Devlin, P Jordan; C Gormley, S Cavanagh; B Dooher, B McGuigan, O Mulligan; R Mellon, S O'Neill, E McGinley.

MAYO (SF v Kerry): D Clarke; D Geraghty, D Heaney, G Ruane; P Kelly, J Nallen, P Gardiner; R McGarrity, S Fitzmaurice; M Moyles, A Dillon, BJ Padden; T Mortimer, C McDonald, A O'Malley.