Cavan to miss Reilly and Lyng

Cavan manager Martin McElkennon will be without the services of forwards Larry Reilly (knee) and Michael Lyng (groin) for most of the 2006 National Football League.

Cavan Gaels attacker Lyng suffered a set back recently with a new groin injury, while experienced Knockbride clubman Reilly, who made seven appearances in last season's championship - scoring 1-17 in the process - underwent a groin operation earlier this month.

Reilly is scheduled to return to the fray in six to eight weeks' time.

New Breffni boss McElkennon, who officially replaced Eamonn Coleman in October, is also counting the loss of midfielder Pierce McKenna, who has confirmed his retirement from inter-county football.

The Kill Shamrocks clubman, who got married last July, played in all seven of Cavan's 2005 championship outings.

McElkennon is certain to rely largely on players from the Cavan Gaels club, which won back-to-back county championship and league titles, in the first season of his two-year term.

Cavan get their competitive campaign gets underway at home to Fermanagh in Section A of the Dr. McKenna Cup on Sunday, January 8.