Wicklow manager Hugh Kenny has received a boost with the news that forward Ronan Coffey will be available after a three-year absence for the National Football League campaign.

Since his appointment in November Kenny has seen more than 150 players in trial games, and his squad includes 22 players who are new to intercounty senior football.

Coffey, however, is not available for Sunday's O'Byrne Cup clash with Carlow because of an Achilles' tendon problem but stressed he is anxious to make a return for the league campaign.

Kenny will also be without Anthony Nolan (groin), Gary Jameson (hip), John Slattery (broken collarbone) and Owen O'Neill (broken thumb) on Sunday, while Kevin Twomey and Dermot Richardson are unavailable.

However, dual stars Leighton Glynn, Wayne O'Gorman and Gay Doran are available for selection. The team will be selected following training this evening.

Meanwhile, Wexford footballer Mattie Forde may try to play a dual role this year following his impressive display in the Purple & Gold challenge game on Sunday. Forde, a key forward for Wexford footballers in recent years, scored 2-9 for the Purple & Gold footballers before lining out with the hurlers in the following game.

He lined out at wing forward for the hurlers, striking two excellent points against the Wexford senior hurlers in what was an impressive display in his 30 minutes on the pitch.

Forde has impressed so much at football he was included in the initial trial squads for the Ireland International Rules team.

Forde may well be offered his opportunity to make a breakthrough into the county hurling squad when they play Dublin in the Walsh Cup on Sunday, January 25th.