Division 1A NFL preview

The 2005 Allianz National Football League continues today with two matches in Division 1A.

The 2003 All-Ireland champions, Tyrone, face Donegal in an all-Ulster clash.

However, the Red Hands are without the talismanic Peter Canavan, who informed manager Mickey Harte during the week that he would not be available for the league campaign.

Harte has rewarded Eoin Bradley for his recent good form for the Underdogs with his first senior start in today's tie in Ballybofey.

Bradley has been named at right corner-forward, next to Owen Mulligan, who is also flanked by Rory Mellon.

Mellon makes his long-awaited return for the Red Hands following a two-year lay-off with illness.

Donegal will be without Brendan Boyle for today's game after the midfielder underwent surgery on Thursday to correct a medial ligament injury.

The midfielder picked up the injury during a recent challenge game against Meath and hopes to return in time for the Ulster Championship.

Former All-Star Adrian Sweeney is also out after picking up an ankle injury. The full-forward could miss next weekend's tie against All-Ireland finalists Mayo.

In the other match in Division 1A, Offaly host Leinster champions Westmeath in Tullamore.

Westmeath welcome back Dessie Dolan and John Keane for today's clash and manager Páidí Ó Sé has also included James Davitt and half-forward Joe Fallon.

The quartet missed the O'Byrne Cup final defeat by Laois and come in for Dermot McDermott, John McEnteer, Alan Lanbeen and Padraig Mulvihille respectively.

Meanwhile, Tullamore's James Keane will make his league debut for Offaly. New boss Kevin Kilmurray has pitched Keane, an Offaly minor last year, into the centre-back berth.

Former International Rules star John Kenny leads the attack, in his first competitive start in more than two years.

Kilmurray is awaiting a fitness report on Cathal Daly before naming him at corner-back, while Barry Mooney skippers the side from right wing-back.

John Reynolds is back at left wing-forward, with Niall McNamee at full-forward.

DONEGAL (SF v Donegal): M Boyle, N McCready, R Sweeney, D Diver, E McGee, B Monaghan, S Carr, K Cassidy, Neil Gallagher, S McDermott, C Toye, R Kavanagh, C McFadden, S Cassidy, B Roper.

TYRONE (SF v Donegal): P McConnell; R McMenamin, C Lawn, E Bradley; B Robinson, G Devlin, B Donnelly; B Dooher, S O'Neill, S Cavanagh; M Coleman, O Mulligan, R Mellon.

OFFALY (SF v Westmeath): P McNamara; AN Other, C Evans, S Brady; B Mooney, J Keane, C Slattery; C McManus, A McNamee; N Coughlan, J Keane, J Reynolds; C Quinn, N McNamee, J Coughlan.

WESTMEATH (SF v Offaly): G Connaughton; J Davitt, D O'Donoghue, J Keane; M Ennis, D Kilmartin, D Heavin; R O'Connell, J Brennan; J Fallon, D Mitchell, C Galligan; A Mangan, D Glennon, D Dolan.