Masterson gets Longford chance

Dromard youngster Diarmuid Masterson has been given an opportunity to impress for Longford in Saturday's All-Ireland SFC third round qualifier against Derry (Pearse Park, throw-in 5pm).

The 20-year-old has been brought in by Luke Dempsey as the only change to the side that garnered a 13-point win over Tipperary at the start of the month.

Arthur O'Connor is injured so Masterson, who filled the number 6 jersey for the Longford Under-21 team this season, takes over at centre back.

Dempsey will be hoping for another fruitful return from the Barden brothers, Paul and David, and Brian Kavanagh - the key trio scored 1-17 between them against Tipp.

Longford met Derry in the qualifiers in 2002 when the Oak Leafers ran out comfortable 2-13 to 0-09 winners at Pearse Park.

LONGFORD (SFC v Derry) - D Sheridan (capt); D Brady, N Farrell, C Conefrey; S Mulligan, D Masterson, D Reilly; B McElvaney, L Keenan; T Smullen, P Barden, P Berry; D Barden, P Dowd, B Kavanagh.