Cork ring the changes as they go under the spotlight against Kerry

CORK selectors have retained just six of the players who figured in last season’s championship defeat by Fermanagh for their opening televised game under lights in the NFL League game at Pairc Ui Rinn against All-Ireland champions Kerry on Friday.

Out are corner-backs Sean O'Brien and Gary Murphy, wing back Eoin Sexton, midfielders Miceál O'Sullivan and Graham Canty, centre-forward Ciaran O'Sullivan and the entire full forward line of Colin Crowley, Colin Corkery and Alan Cronin.

Still in the frame are goalkeeper Kevin O'Dwyer, full back Derek Kavanagh, centre-back Sean Levis, who will captain the side, left half back Martin Cronin, and centre-forward Conor McCarthy.

Niall Geary and Anthony Lynch, who came on as a sub during the Fermanagh game, now hold down the corner back positions, while Noel O'Leary takes over Eoin Sexton's right half back berth.

Nicholas Murphy and Diarmuid Hurley form a new midfield partnership, but it is up front that Cork get a refreshing new look with the inclusion of a number of talented young players.

Cian O'Riordan of Mallow comes in at right half forward, with Kevin MacMahon of Carbery Rangers selected on the left flank of attack.

O'Riordan had an exciting season with his club last year as they reached the semi final of the county, while MacMahon was an influential figure in Carbery's great success story.

James Masters, Brendan Jer O'Sullivan and John Hayes are nominated as the new strike force.

Masters, who won an All-Ireland intermediate hurling medal last season and previously captained the minor footballers to All-Ireland victory, is named at top of the right, with Brendan Jer at full forward and Hayes of Carbery Rangers in the left corner.

Injuries ruled last season's skipper Colin Crowley, Graham Canty and Philip Clifford out of the equation, while Colin Corkery and Fionan Murray were not considered for personal reasons.

Kerry, who will be without at least five of their winning All-Ireland starting 15 including full-back Mike McCarthy and forwards Declan O'Sullivan, Dara O'Cinneide, Johnny Crowley and Mike Frank Russell, are not expected to finalise their team until tomorrow night.

Darragh Ó Sé and Seamus Moynihan formed a mouth-watering midfield for Kerry in a challenge game last weekend but Moynihan is expected to revert to wing back.

Though they are missing a number of experienced campaigners, Kerry were too good for Clare in Listowel last Sunday. The team was notable for the pairing of Moynihan and Ó Sé at midfield, and for the form of attacker Declan Quill who claimed 1-8.

Meanwhile, Clare will be without no fewer than six first team members for their opening League game against Roscommon at Dr Hyde Park, Roscommon on Sunday.

Ronan Slattery, Conor Whelan and Donal O'Sullivan have all been ruled out because of injury, while the O'Dwyer brothers, Odrian and Michael, as well as Dermot O'Brien and Enda Coughlan have been released from duty because of their involvement with county champions Kilmurray-Ilbrickane in the All-Ireland club championship.

The Clare team will be selected later in the week as will the Laois and Limerick sides to do battle at Portlaoise on Sunday.

CORK (SF v Kerry): K. O'Dwyer; N. Geary, D. Kavanagh, A. Lynch; N. O'Leary, S. Levis, M. Cronin; N. Murphy, D. Hurley; C. O'Riordan, C. McCarthy, K. MacMahon; J. Masters, K. J. O'Sullivan, J. Hayes.