Declan Darcy makes his first appearance for Dublin when he lines out at centre forward against Sligo in the opening match of the National Football League in Markievicz Park on Sunday. Born and reared in Dublin, Darcy opted to play for his father's native county, Leitrim. He captained the county to a Connacht title and an All-Ireland semi-final appearance against Dublin in 1994. This summer, after Leitrim exited the Connacht championship, he switched allegiances to Dublin. There will be an unfamiliar look about the Dublin team as they appear without such well-known names as John O'Leary, Charlie Redmond and Paul Clarke, all retired.

Dublin will also be without Paul Curran and Brian Stynes, both of whom are injured. Dessie Farrell is another familiar name missing from the line-up, having decided to take a winter break from the game. Kerry have named the team which lined out in the All-Ireland final - with the exception of Billy O'Shea, who has a broken leg - for their match against Cavan in New York on Saturday. John Crowley, who replaced O'Shea in the final, starts on Saturday.

Kerry, however, have three injury worries. William Kirby has not fully recovered from the shoulder injury which forced him to retire early in the All-Ireland final against Mayo, but he hopes to play. Pa Laide has an eye injury while Dara O Cinneide has a leg injury.

Cavan will be without three regulars. Dermot McCabe will not be travelling with the official party. Instead, he will be best man at his brother's wedding on Saturday. Also out of the match in Downing Stadium are brothers Peter and Larry Reilly. They were injured in last weekend's club match between Knockbride and Kill.

Donegal have named four newcomers in their side to play Longford. Brendan Devenney and Jonathan Scanlon (both St Eunan's) and Cathal Brennan (Dungloe) and Shane Bradley (Sean Mac Cumhaills) make their debut for new team manager Declan Bonner.