Bergin included by Offaly

Former minor star Joe Bergin has been named at full-forward in the Offaly team for tomorrow's NHL Division 1A date with Cork (Birr, throw-in 2.30pm).

Bergin, who struck 1-03 on his competitive debut for the Faithfuls against Antrim last month, passed a fitness test on an ankle strain last night to make the line-up.

The impressive Bergin also scored 1-02 in the Walsh Cup semi-final defeat to Wexford, two weeks ago.

The Offaly panel will be stretched for the visit of the All-Ireland champions - manager John McIntyre is minus six first team regulars (Aidan Hanrahan, Simon and Brian Whelahan, Damien Murray, Barry Teehan and Joe Brady) due to injury.

Hanrahan had hopes of starting at midfield but a hamstring injury has sidelined him.

OFFALY (NHL v Cork): B Mullins; B O’Meara, P Cleary, D Franks; K Brady, G Oakley, R Hanniffy; G Hanniffy, M Cordial; D Hayden, M O’Hara, B Murphy; B Carroll, J Bergin, A Egan.