Armagh announce starting team for Derry trip

Armagh have recalled Rian O’Neill to the starting team as they prepare to take on Mickey Harte’s Derry this weekend. O’Neill missed out on Armagh’s five-point win over Westmeath, but slots in at centerfield this weekend.

He replaces the injured Conor O’Neill, who will miss out on the rest of the season due to a ruptured Achilles. The Crossmaglen man will start at midfield, with Tiernan Kelly moving to wing half forward and Joe McElory starting at wing half back.

Other than that, Kieran McGeeney has put his faith in the same team that saw off Westmeath in the opening round of the group stages. Armagh had nine different scorers on the day, with Rory Grugan top scoring with 0-5.

Barry McCambridge, a late addition to the starting line up in place of Paddy Burns last week, retains his spot at full back. McCambridge could be the one detailed to pick up Derry dangerman Shane McGuigan and that match up with be key.

Armagh: B Hughes, B McCambridge, A McKay, P McGrane, J McElory, C Mackin, A Forker, R O’Neill, B Crealey, S Campbell, R Grugan, T Kelly, O Conaty, A Murnin, C Turbitt.

Subs: E Rafferty, C Mackin, G McCabe, N Grimley, P Burns, J Duffy, O O’Neill, S McPartlan, A Nugent, R McQuillan, J Burns.

Check out our latest edition of Gaelic Lives that looks ahead to Sunday’s clash through the eyes of Benny Heron and Paul Hearty. We also look at the other Ulster teams in the race for Sam Maguire.