McDonald returns for Laois

Brian 'Beano' McDonald has recovered from a wrist injury to be named in the Laois side to take on Derry in NFL Division 1B this Sunday at Celtic Park (throw-in 2.30pm).

McDonald picked up the injury in the midlanders' recent win over Down in Newcastle, and was expected to be out for a number of weeks.

But his quicker than expected recovery means Laois boss Liam Kearns makes just one change in personnel to the team that beat Down 1-13 to 0-9.

A grade-two hamstring tear will rule defender Tom Kelly out of Kearns' plans for the remainder of the league campaign, so his place at the back has gone to the versatile Kevin Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick has been named at full-back, with Darren Rooney, Laois' number three last time out, moving to centre back.

Michael Nolan continues in goals for the O'Moore men, with Fergal Byron recovering from a virus. Aidan Fennelly (shoulder), Rory Stapleton (elbow) and Colm Parkinson (finger) are recovering from knocks.

LAOIS (NFL v Derry) - M Nolan; C Ryan, K Fitzparick, J Higgins; P McMahon, D Rooney, B McCormack; N Garvan, P Clancy; G Kavanagh, C Conway, D Murphy; B McDonald, P Lawlor, R Munnelly.