Injuries delay Monaghan team announcement

Tonight will see a number of counties will confirm their sides for this weekend's football fare, but Monaghan boss Seamus McEnaney has had to delay his team announcement until tomorrow due to injuries.

The Farney county are on their longest run in the championship since 1988, when they last secured Ulster's Anglo-Celt Cup, but could be without midfielder James McElroy and half-forward Paul Finlay for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC third round qualifier against Louth.

McElroy limped off with a calf muscle injury in last weekend's surprise five-point defeat of Wexford, while Finlay, who kicked the winning goal in the NFL Division 2 final against Meath in May, is currently shaking off the effects of a concussion.

Their Breffni Park opponents Louth are expected to have a full squad to choose from, with Shane Lennon and Paddy Keenan recovering quickly from slight niggles.

Keenan's sister Kerrie-Ann is getting married early on Saturday, and fit or not, the St Patrick's midfielder faces a quick dash to make the 7pm throw-in in Cavan.

Louth boss Val Andrews is hoping his side can take their chances.

“Monaghan are a good, solid team with some exceptional players like the Freemans, Dick Clerkin and Paul Finlay. They play very good football and work off a good overall team ethic and organisation," he said.

"They've had a good run this year - winning the Division 2 title and beating the Division 1 finalists Wexford last week. But if we go out and play as we can, and take our chances, I expect us to be well in the game."

The Breffni Park derby will be only the second championship meeting between Monaghan and Louth - the Wee county plundered through in their 2002 qualifier clash, winning by six points in Clones.