Wexford v Armagh preview

Wexford take on Ulster champions Armagh in the National Football League final today at Croke Park.

The weight of history could rest on the Slaneysiders, who are making their first appearance in a league final since 1946, but they face a side who last contested the league decider 11 years ago, and have never won a league final.

However, manager Pat Roe doesn't believe this will affect his players as they are the only side to have beaten the Orchard in the league campaign to date.

They triumphed over Joe Kernan's side in the earlier rounds and saw off Ulster's other kingpins, Tyrone, in the semi-final.

With that in mind, Roe has kept faith with the same side that defied the Red Hands for today's clash.

Despite fears over the fitness of Shane Cullen and John Hegarty, both have been named in the team.

Wing-back Cullen has recovered from a back injury while Hegarty is included in the half-forward line, despite being troubled in recent days by a virus.

Armagh manager Joe Kernan followed Roe's approach and also named the same fifteen that defeated Mayo in their semi-final.

There was an injury doubt surrounding full-forward Ronan Clarke, but he came through a fitness test last night and was named in the line-up.

Clarke limped off during last weekend's five-point victory with bruising to his leg but has been given the green light to start today.

Kieran McGeeney skippers the side from his position in the heart of defence.

Armagh's experience of winning Ulster and All-Ireland finals may stand to them on the big occasion, but Wexford were written off ahead of their semi-final against opposition of the same northern calibre.

ARMAGH (SF v Wexford): P Hearty; P McCormack, F Bellew, A Molloy; A Kernan, K McGeeney, C McKeever; J Toal, P McGrane; M O'Rourke, J McEntee, O McConville; S McDonnell, R Clarke, B Mallon.

WEXFORD (SF v Armagh): J Cooper; C Morris, P Wallace, N Murphy; D Breen, D Murphy, S Cullen; D Kinsella, N Lambert; D Fogarty, P Coffey, J Hegarty; R Barry, J Hudson, M Forde.