Micko begins talent search in Wicklow

Mick O'Dwyer has selected a training panel of 70 players, as his bid to turn the Wicklow footballers into contenders for next year's Leinster championship begins in earnest.

O'Dwyer, officially unveiled as Wicklow football manager on October 9, has already had a busy few weeks at the helm with four trial matches played during the last week in both Hollywood and Roundwood.

According to sources, O'Dwyer and his selectors ran the rule over 150 players before annoucing their first official panel. The St Patrick's players were excused from the trial matches due to club commitments and they are missing from the panel.

Players from the county's Under-21 team, managed by Phillip McGillycuddy, Joe McDonald and Mick O'Toole, will also be invited to train with Micko's seniors.

The current senior panel includes Rathnew stars Tommy Gill and Trevor Doyle, as well as players who have been on the fringes of the side in recent seasons, like Bray Emmets free-taker Conor Flannery and Coolkenno defender Stevie Cush.