Earley injury a concern for Kildare

Kildare are to give 1998 All-Star Dermot Earley a late fitness test in the hope that he can play some part in tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC qualifier against Derry (Celtic Park, throw-in 4pm).

Earley injured his foot in training on Tuesday night and is rated as doubtful for the Lilywhites' first ever championship encounter with Derry. A vacancy has been left at midfield should the 27-year-old recover in time.

Manager John Crofton has named an otherwise unchanged team with wing back Anthony Rainbow and centre forward James Kavanagh retaining their places after being substituted in the 1-18 to 1-13 first round win over Cavan last Saturday.

Veteran defender Glenn Ryan, who has been fighting off a hamstring injury, remains on the bench.

When the sides met in the National League in March, Kildare were pipped by two points. Amazingly, last weekend's defeat of Cavan was only Kildare's second victory in the qualifiers since 2001.

KILDARE (SFC v Derry) - E Murphy; A McLoughlin, K O’Neill, M Hogarty; M Foley, J Divilly, A Rainbow; K Brennan, AN Other; J Doyle (capt), J Kavanagh, R Sweeney; T Archbold, T O’Connor, P O’Neill.