O’Shaughnessy returns for Westmeath

Westmeath have received a massive boost ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Dublin at Croke Park with the return of David O’Shaughnessy to their starting line-up (throw-in 4pm).

The statuesque midfielder has been suffering from an Achilles tendon injury since June but showed up well when coming on as a substitute in the fourth round qualifier win over Galway on July 29.

The 2004 Leinster-winning captain has not started for Westmeath since the first round clash with London on June 18.

For Saturday’s game, manager Tomas O’Flatharta has made two changes to the side that beat Galway, bringing in O’Shaughnessy and minor star John Connellan, who were both used as substitutes last time out.

O’Shaughnessy will partner Paul Bannon in midfield, with David Duffy dropping to the bench, while James Durkan loses his right corner forward berth to fellow minor Connellan.

Athlone attacker Connellan kicked five frees when lining out against the Dublin minors earlier in the summer.

Denis Glennon, who injured his knee against Galway, retains his place at full-forward. Another knee injury victim Joe Fallon - the Athlone marksman recently underwent keyhole surgery - has been listed amongst the substitutes, along with former Dublin Under-21 trialist Graham Dillon and county hurler Paul Greville.

O’Flatharta’s side includes 10 players that started the Lake men’s 0-14 to 0-12 Leinster quarter-final victory over the Dubs in 2004 - Connellan, Bannon, Damien Healy, Francis Boyle and Gary Glennon are the odd men out.

WESTMEATH (SFC v Dublin) - G Connaughton; D Healy, J Keane, F Boyle; M Ennis, D O’Donoghue, G Glennon; D O’Shaughnessy, P Bannon; D Heavin, G Dolan, A Mangan; J Connellan, D Glennon, D Dolan (capt).

Substitutes: C Mullin, D McDermott, G Duffy, J Fallon, C Davey, P Greville, N Kilmartin, J Smyth, D Duffy, G Dillon, P Martin, J Farrell, B Nannery, J Davitt, J Durkan.