Boost for Derry as McEldowney gets nod to face Kerry in semi-final

DYNAMIC wing-back Francis McEldowney has been passed fit, so Derry have named the same team that started in the quarter-final against Westmeath for Sunday's Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC semi-final clash with Kerry at Croke Park.

McEldowney sustained a back injury during the victory over the midlanders but played to the end. However, he has been unable to train since but, acting on medical advice, Micky Moran named him in the side last night.

In the quarter-final, Derry introduced four substitutes. Gavin Donaghy replaced left half-forward Colin Moran. Eamonn Burke took over from right corner-forward Johnny Bradley. Conleith Gilligan came on in place of centre-forward Johnny McBride, while Gerard O'Kane deputised for Kieran McCusker at right corner-back. Speculation had been rife that Burke and O'Kane might get the nod, but McCusker and Bradley have held on to their places.

With midfielder Ronan McGarrity and corner-forward Conor Mortimer coming through fitness tests last night, Mayo have also announced an unchanged side for their All-Ireland semi-final replay with Fermanagh at Croke Park tomorrow.

Many observers thought that John Maughan would ring the changes because of the indifferent form displayed by some of his players last weekend. Second midfield player David Brady and corner-back Conor Moran appeared to be under pressure, but they have held off the challenges of Gary Mullins and Fergal Costello.

Also there is no starting place for the very promising Andy Moran, who was Mayo's principal play-maker in the Connacht U21 final two weeks ago.

Fermanagh were due to reveal their team last night, but manager Charlie Mulgrew announced that there would be a 24-hour delay in naming the side. Mulgrew said that four of his side picked up knocks in training on Wednesday night, but he would not name the players in question.

Laois make no change from the team that started last weekend's game with Cork in the quarter-final for Sunday's All-Ireland MFC semi-final at Croke Park. Danny Reddin, who replaced left half-forward Stephen O'Leary in the second half of the victory over Cork, sits out the start of this one again. Kerry are due to announce their team today.

DERRY (SFC v Kerry): B. Gillis; K. McGuckin, N. McCusker, S. M Lockhart; F. McEldowney, P. McFlynn, P. Kelly; F. Doherty, Patsy Bradley; J. Donaghy, J. McBride, C. Moran; J. Bradley, Paddy Bradley, E. Muldoon.

MAYO (SFC v Fermanagh): P. Burke; C. Moran, D. Heaney, G. Ruane; P. Kelly, J. Nallon, P. Gardiner; R. McGarrity, D. Bradley; J. Gill, K. McDonald, A. Dillon; C. Mortimer, T. Mortimer, B. Maloney.

LAOIS (MFC v Kerry): C. Munnelly; C. Healy, M. Timmons, B. Meredith; K. Smith, C. Begley, N. Danagher; E. Butler, C. Rogers; S. O'Neill, M. Tierney, S. O'Leary; I. Fleming, D. Brennan, D. Conway.