Derry to start debutants against Tyrone

Barry Gillis and highly rated defender Francie McEldowney will make their championship debuts for Derry against Tyrone in Clones on Sunday.

Gillis comes in between the sticks while McEldowney will start at the half-back position in an eagerly awaited tussle between two old foes.

Last season the tie ended in a draw at Clones before Tyrone ran riot in the replay in Belfast and more fireworks are expected this time.

Loup star John McBride comes back to the middle third to lend steel to the Derry engine room after a period off the panel. Jim Kelly also returns to championship football at corner-forward.

Derry (SFC v Tyrone): B Gillis; SM Lockhart, N McCusker, K McCloy; P O'Kane, K McGuickan, F McEldowney; F Doherty, E Muldoon; P Bradley, C Gilligan, J McBride; J Kelly, P Bradley, P McFlynn.