Stevenson and Sweeney to start for Derry

Kieran Stevenson and Paul Sweeney have been handed starts by Derry manager Sean McCloskey for tomorrow's Nicky Rackard Cup final against Donegal (Croke Park, throw-in 2pm).

Banagher man Stevenson steps in for Michael Kirkpatrick in goal, while Sweeney from the Kevin Lynch's club is included in the half-back line.

Sweeney is listed at left half-back with Peter O'Kane moving into midfield to partner Reamann Kennedy.

The Biggs brothers, Gregory and Gary, started at midfield in the semi-final against Armagh - this time around, Gregory is listed at centre forward with Gary missing out on a starting place.

In other positional changes, Kennedy reverts to centre-field from right half forward with Ruairi Convery, one of the goalscorers against Armagh, taking the number 10 jersey.

The Oak Leafers had three goals to spare when beating Armagh last month. They beat Longford, Monaghan and Warwickshire during the group stages.

McCloskey's men have got their season back on track after a deflating loss to New York in the Ulster SHC semi-final. Qualification for next season's Christy Ring Cup is now their sole aim.

Dual player Liam Hinphey is one of Derry's best players at centre back. The Dungiven youngster also played for the county footballers this season and had a fine game at wing back when Derry dethroned All-Ireland champions Tyrone in the Ulster quarter-final.

Hinphey's brother Kevin will line out at full-forward at headquarters tomorrow.

DERRY (Rackard Cup v Donegal) - K Stevenson; S McCullagh, M Conway (capt), E McKeever; C Bruton, L Hinphey, P Sweeney; R Kennedy, P O'Kane; R Convery, Gregory Biggs, D McGrellis; S McBride, K Hinphey, J O'Dwyer.