Michael McMullan looks at some of the players with the potential to break into senior football this season.

Conhuir Johnston

(Antrim)

THE Cargin starlet was a MacRory Cup winner with St Mary’s, Magherafelt just two years ago and his potential would always come up in conversations.

Andy McEntee handed him two substitute appearances in the Tailteann Cup last year to break the ice. When Cargin won the title last year, he bagged a goal in the final and was involved in many of their scores against Glen. It will be interesting to see how far up the pecking order he can climb with the Saffrons this season.

Oisin O’Neill

(Armagh)

AFTER coming through injury hell, it’s almost as if O’Neill is a lad coming out of minor again, eager to prove he can cut the mustard at senior level. The Crossmaglen man played a starring role in the McKenna Cup win over Tyrone and will be keen to maintain the progress that will make Kieran McGeeney take a serious look when the real action begins. He has the versatility to play in a number of roles and his long-range kicking could be a help against packed defences.

Niall Carolan

(Cavan)

THE Cuchullianns player, a former Breffni u-20 captain, had an excellent night against Derry in the first game of the season. Much of Cavan’s direct play came through him and he looked like a player Raymond Galligan could slot into a half-back line alongside Ciarán ‘Holla’ Bradyhaving edged into the starting team last term. The new Cavan boss has brought plenty of new players, but Carolan’s direct running will be an asset against teams set up with their middle compacted.

Cormac Murphy

(Derry)

DERRY’S shortcomings are two-fold. They need a man to take the scoring burden from Shane McGuigan and there is a need for more depth in their panel. Murphy looks like someone who could help on both fronts. He has pace, something that always comes in handy at county level and made Derry’s winning point in Tralee last weekend. He is also a very capable playmaker. His inclusion will bring more from the rest of the forwards with aspirations of staking a regular spot up top.

Odhran Doherty

(Donegal)

THE Naomh Conaill player missed the league but played in Donegal’s championship campaign last season. He then played a vital role in taking the Dr Maguire Cup back to Glenties and was involved in many of the scores for Martin Regan’s men. Doherty was one of the players to play in all of the Dr McKenna Cup games and has plenty to offer in the season ahead.

Paddy McCarthy

(Down)

McCARTHY is one of the players to come to the fore under Conor Laverty at u-20 level and blotted out Ruairi Canavan in their win over Tyrone last year, holding him scoreless. The Burren youngster is beginning to make a name for himself as a man marker, something that will help him stake a claim for a regular spot in Down’s defence.

Ross Bogue

(Fermanagh)

AN outfield player by trade for much of his career at underage, he came to the fore as a goalkeeper on St Michael’s, Enniskillen school teams. Bogue was one of the newcomers called into the Erne senior squad by Kieran Donnelly. With height and a longer kick-out, it could see him push Sean McNally all the way for the number one jersey.

Sean Jones

(Monaghan)

JONES has had early season injury problems but he will be one of the players Vinny Corey will hope breaks into a regular attacking ace up top. A natural forward and has experience of Sigerson Cup at college level to help him make the breakthrough. Conor McManus has indicated, on the GAA Social, he will play for one more season. It will be up to players like Jones from their underage system to step into the void.

Seanie O’Donnell

(Tyrone)

THE Trillick player has it all. He can play up front and has the talents to be a playmaker. His role at wing-back gives him a licence to get forward at will. He was excellent in Trillick’s run to the O’Neill Cup and continued his form into the Ulster Club Championship. With Tyrone losing many of their established players in the off season, O’Donnell – tipped to breakthrough regardless – will be a player expected to make an impact for the Red Hands this season.