All-stars back for Cork's league start

Cork manager Billy Morgan has made six alterations to the side that won the McGrath Cup for tonight's NFL Division 1A encounter with Donegal (Pairc Ui Rinn, throw-in 7.30pm).

The Rebels clinched the season's first piece of silverware last Saturday by beating Limerick 1-8 to 0-7 in the McGrath Cup final, but Morgan has wielded the axe with six of last year's championship side returning.

Ger Spillane, Nicholas Murphy and James Masters are back after playing in last weekend's All-Stars match in Dubai, while defenders Michael Shields and Anthony Lynch are set for their first run-outs of 2007.

Last year's captain Derek Kavanagh also returns to the line-up - the midfielder's last appearance for Cork was on January 22 in the McGrath Cup semi-final win over UL.

Graham Canty, who played in last week's All-Stars clash, has been kept in reserve as he continues his recovery from a serious knee injury.

Cork's opponents tonight, Donegal, have been boosted by the return of Michael Doherty, Paul Durcan and Karl Lacey for the trip to Cork.

Due to their commitments with Sligo IT, the trio sat out the Tir Chonaill men's run through to the McKenna Cup final.

Termon clubman Kevin McMenamin will make his National League debut having impressed in the McKenna Cup, particularly in last weekend's semi-final defeat of Armagh.

Glenswilly's Ciaran Bonner has been listed at centre forward despite concerns over the shoulder injury he picked up against Armagh. Defender Paddy Campbell is a notable absentee - he is serving a one-match suspension, earned following his sending-off in last year's NFL Division Two final against Louth.

CORK (NFL v Donegal) - P O'Shea; M Shields, D Coughlan, K O'Connor; N O'Leary, G Spillane, A Lynch; P O'Neill, D Kavanagh; S O'Brien, N Murphy, K McMahon; J Masters, D O'Connor, K O'Sullivan.

DONEGAL - P Durcan; T Donaghue, N McGee, K Lacey; E McGee, B Monaghan, B Dunnion; K Cassidy, R Kavanagh; C Toye, C Bonner, B Roper; K McMenamin, B Devenney, M Doherty.