Glen and Kilcoo both set to pick from a full deck ahead of Ulster showdown

By Michael McMullan

GLEN manager Malachy O’Rourke is hoping to have a full hand to pick from ahead of the club’s first Ulster senior club final this weekend.

The Derry champions face Kilcoo in a rematch of last season’s semi-final when Jerome Johnston’s injury-time goal proved the difference as the Magpies advanced on their way to All-Ireland glory.

Derry star Conor Glass sustained a facial injury during their win over Cargin, but finished the game after Conor Convery and Eunan Mulholland were forced off injured during the first half.

The Glen boss, speaking at Sunday night’s official final launch in Armagh, was “hoping” all three were good to go.

“They wouldn’t have trained fully since but at the same time it’s the fact that the games are coming thick and fast,” O’Rourke said.

“They’re probably not going to get a pile fitter over the next two weeks (from the Cargin game) so it’s a matter of making sure they are good to go this week. I’d be hoping that we’ll have a full panel to pick from.”

BACK TRAINING…Dylan Ward didn’t feature in Kilcoo’s win over Enniskillen

There was also positive news from the Kilcoo camp on the progress of midfielder Dylan Ward.

Apart from replacing Anthony Morgan 42nd minutes into Kilcoo’s Down quarter-final win over Clonduff, Ward played every other moment of championship action until not being togged out for their win over Enniskillen.

Kilcoo joint manager Conleith Gilligan confirmed Ward will be available for selection ahead of Sunday’s showdown.

“Dylan is back doing training and he is going to put himself in a position to play,” he said.

Ward scored a point in Kilcoo’s win over Glen last season and with AIB Club Player of the Year Eugene Branagan also having 1-5 to his name this season with being a regular, it will keep everyone on their toes as Sunday approaches.