O'Rourke makes sweeping changes in Down

Ruthless Down football boss Paddy O'Rourke has left out a string of well known faces from his early season panel - though he's not closed the door on them entirely.

Golden oldie Mickey Linden recently retired at 40 while Brendan Grant is injured but regulars like James McCartan, Brian Burns and Shane King will have to fight for their places after missing the cut.

A number of players including Dan Gordon will be called on by their universities at the expense of the Mourne County meaning an experimental lineup for Sunday's McKenna Cup clash with Monaghan.