Bellew to start for Armagh

Armagh have received a major boost with the news that Francie Bellew will start for them in Sunday's NFL Division 2 league clash with Cork in Crossmaglen.

Bellew is one of five changes made by Armagh manager Peter McDonnell from the team that hammered Dublin at the same venue last weekend.

Flame-haired defender Bellew has been struck with a spate of injuries in recent years and makes a long awaited comeback at full-back, in place of Aaron Kernan.

Bellew has not completed a full game in the Armagh jersey since the 2006 championship campaign.

McDonnell has also opted for a change of goalkeeper with Ciaran McKinney favoured between the posts in place of Paul Hearty.

In attack, Brian Mallon and Michael O'Rourke come into the side with brothers Stephen and Tony Kernan on the bench - Tony picked up an injury in the win over Dublin.

Meanwhile, David McKenna, an Ulster U-21 medallist last year, will make his league debut alongside Paul McGrane at midfield.

McGrane knows not to underestimate Cork this weekend.

"People will talk about how Cork played in last year's All-Ireland final, but they still were in an All-Ireland final," said McGrane.

"They are a team of quality and we know that we'll have to put in a massive performance to get a result of any description against Cork."

McGrane is calling on his charges to produce another workmanlike display, akin to the one which helped them to a comfortable 3-13 to 1-10 win against Dublin.

"It's not just about the defence or attack but it's about getting a team performance and you have to keep working at it every day you go out," he said.

"Cork have been going well and they were the first team to defeat Monaghan this year in the league so we are going to be in for a hell of a match this weekend against them."