McManus included in Offaly line-up

Offaly’s Ciaran McManus will take part in his 15th Championship campaign, after the Tubber clubman has been handed a midfield role for this Sunday's Leinster SFC tie against Meath at O'Moore Park (2pm).

Offaly manager Tom Cribbin has handed the 34-year-old Tubber clubman the number eight jersey, and he will partner John Coughlan at midfield.

Dublin based Coughlan, is one of two Championship debutants in the Faithful County starting line-up for the Portlaoise clash.

Rhode's Paraic Sullivan joins older brother Shane in the Offaly rear-guard, with younger brother Anton listed among the substitutes.

Coughlan, who plays his club football with St Sylvesters received permission to line out for Offaly this year, under a rule which allows Dublin born players, line out for the county of their parentage.

Meanwhile, 30-year old defender Karol Slattery will captain the Offaly team this year.

The Gracefield clubman made his Championship debut for Offaly as a substitute, in their win over then reigning All-Ireland Champions Meath in 2000.

In the Offaly attack, Niall McNamee has been hampered with a quad muscle injury of late, but has been declared fit to play.

OFFALY (Leinster SFC v Meath): Alan Mulhall; Brian Darby, Scott Brady, Paraic Sullivan; Shane Sullivan, Richie Dalton, Karol Slattery; Ciaran McManus, John Coughlan; Niall Darby, Brian Connor, Sean Ryan; Ken Casey, John Reynolds, Niall McNamee.