Hubbard and Brogan handed Dublin debuts

DUBLIN manager Pat Gilroy has handed debuts to two players for Saturday’s National league Division One tie against Tyrone at Croke Park.

Ballymun Kickhams’ Alan Hubbard starts at left corner-back and James Brogan (Oliver Plunketts/Eoghan Ruadh) – a cousin of Alan, Bernard and Paul – features in the forwards.

David Henry has been named captain and has been moved from his customary defensive role under Paul Caffrey to the centre-forward slot. Last year’s full-back Ross McConnell has been named alongside Ciaran Whelan at midfield.

Meanwhile, of injuries, retirements and the decision of the three Hurneys — Greg, Paddy and John — to concentrate on hurling, the Waterford football team has been decimated prior to the start of the Allianz NFL.

Long serving members Connie Power and Andy Hubert have both retired. Shane Briggs and Ger Power are out of action for the foreseeable future because of cruciate ligament problems. Corner-back Justin Walsh has a groin injury, while full-back Jason Seaward is suffering from cartilage trouble.

According to manager John Kiely: “the scenario for Waterford football at present is catastrophic. For our first game in the League we will be without nine of last season’s championship starting side. The whole thing is like a nightmare.”

Clare also have an injury tale of woe with three of their most experienced campaigners, David Connole, John Hayes and Niall Considine ruled out of contention for League duty.

Corner-back Connole received a cruciate ligament injury in the first minute of the Clare county final while wing backs Hayes and Considine have been laid low with a broken leg and knee injury, respectively.

Limerick will be without sterling wing back Pa Ranaghan, who has emigrated to Australia, for their visit to Louth on Sunday.

Roscommon’s best known player Dessie Dolan will be an absentee for their opening clash with Offaly at Dr Hyde Park on Sunday.

The outstanding Roscommon centre forward missed the recent FBD competition and has yet to return to the training ground.

Meanwhile, Mayo manager John O’Mahony says forward ace Conor Mortimer is a doubtful starter for Sunday’s NFL Division One opener against champions Derry, at Ballina. Mortimer broke his nose when playing for DCU in an O’Byrne Cup tie against DIT on January 11, and he underwent surgery last Thursday.

There is also a doubt about midfielder-cum-forward James Gill. On the plus side experienced midfielder Pat Harte will be available for selection.

Dublin (v Tyrone): S Cluxton; P Andrews, D Bastick, A Hubbard; B Cullen, G Brennan, B Cahill; R McConnell, C Whelan; J Brogan, D Henry, T Diamond; C Keaney, J Sherlock, B Brogan.