Donegal manager Brian McIver has delayed naming a team for Sunday's Ulster championship meeting with Armagh at Ballybofey until lunch time today to allow Brian Roper, Brendan Devenney and Neil McGee sufficient time to recover from injury.
Devenney, who missed the league final due to a stomach muscle complaint, and corner back McGee (hamstring twinge) are both expected to make the starting line-up but Roper's torn hamstring is deemed more serious. Christy Toye, an experienced footballer who would be a guaranteed starter in most county teams, is expected to be selected at centre forward in his place.
Despite the expected absence of Roper, Donegal enter this sold-out (20,300) encounter at Ballybofey with the best opportunity to overcome Armagh since 1994. The league champions' provincial title aspirations have been stymied by Joe Kernan's team in four of the last five seasons, including three Ulster finals, while in 2003 they were four-point losers in the All-Ireland semi-final.
The difference this time is the strength in depth of McIver's panel. There are three notable returnees in Kevin Cassidy, Colm McFadden and Devenney. Cassidy quit the panel in 2006 to play football in the United States, McFadden prioritised his education while Devenney played semi-professional soccer.
All three will be included along with championship debutant Paddy McConigley at right wing back, although the 25-year-old has represented London at inter-county level.
Another player pushing hard for a first taste of the Ulster championship is Kevin "Wappa" McMenamin but he may have to be content with a place on the bench.
Devenney's return is most notable as his experience will be utilised against Armagh's debutant fullback Brendan Donaghy - in for the injured Francie Bellew. Armagh can boast established corner backs in Enda McNulty and Andy Mallon but these two will have their hands full shadowing McFadden and Michael Hegarty.
Either way, the familiarity between the Kernan and McIver ensures a fascinating tactical encounter.
The Donegal manager hails from Ardboe, Co Tyrone and coached Armagh club Dromintree before taking up his current role so he is familiar with the opposing players.
Adrian Sweeney is again expected to be overlooked for a starting role but the 2003 All Star has become a valued impact replacement. Expect to see him as matters enter the last quarter.
The women's TG4 Underdogs team will travel to New York in November to play a New York All Stars team, made up of the best female players in North America.
Geraldine Ferrick and Seán Ó Domhnaill return to select and train another 30 players. Every week they will be joined by a different guest trainer.
TG4 and Adare Productions are now inviting applicants for the show.
Any player over 18, who has never played senior county football, or been on a panel and has never been nominated for an All Star, qualifies as an Underdog and can apply. Trials will begin in mid-June.
To apply, visit TG4's website, www.tg4.ie, and click on the Underdogs link or call Mark at Adare Productions on 01-2843877 or e-mail adare@eircom.net.
LAOIS (SHC v Offaly): P Mullaney; C Healy, D Rooney, K Fitzpatrick; M McEvoy, M Whelan, C Dunne; J Fitzpatrick, S Dollard; W Hyland, J Young, J Phelan; J Brophy, T Fitzgerald, J Phelan.
