Loughlin returns for Westmeath

Enda Loughlin has shaken off an ankle injury to be included in the Westmeath line-up for this afternoon's crucial All-Ireland SFC Relegation final against Dublin (Tullamore, throw-in 2pm).

The enigmatic Clonkill midfielder returns to Seamus Qualter's side after picking up the injury in the qualifier defeat to Laois at the start of the month.

In all, Qualter has made four changes to the team that started last weekend's landslide loss to Galway.

Loughlin, the man-of-the-match in last year's Christy Ring Cup final win, Pat Clarke, Donal Devine and Daniel Carty are all recalled, replacing the injured Brian Connaughton and Darren McCormack, and out-of-favour pair Paul Murray and Derek McNicholas.

The Lake men will also show two positional changes at O'Connor Park - Andrew Mitchell, Westmeath's championship top scorer with 0-25, moves from wing forward to midfield to partner Loughlin, while team captain John Shaw will cover the absence of McCormack (knee ligaments) at centre back.

The losers of the Tullamore tie will be playing Tier 2 hurling next season.

WESTMEATH (SHC v Dublin) - M Briody; C Jordan, C Murtagh, P Greville; G Gavin, J Shaw (capt), N Gavin; E Loughlin, A Mitchell; B Smyth, B Murtagh, P Clarke; D Devine, D Carty, J Clarke.