London boss sticks with winning formula

Former Antrim player Sean McVeigh will lead an unchanged London team when they take on Waterford in tomorrow's All-Ireland SFC second round qualifier.

The Exiles are gunning for back-to-back Championship wins for the first time. Despite this fact, they been installed as pre-match favourites for the evening encounter in Ruislip (throw-in 6.30pm).

Their manager Paul Coggins told the Irish Post: "It's not an uncomfortable place for us to be in. If you're favourites, then you are.

"But I wouldn't imagine there would be much in it - I've been used to it in my career.

"We're enjoying it (the goodwill towards the team). People have been extremely positive about us. I'm enjoying seeing the improvement in individual players and the team.

"We had a very intense game in-house last weekend, but everyone came through it. Again there is a doubt about the fitness of John Scanlon this weekend, and Austin Concannon is a concern, but otherwise we can report a clean bill of health."

Tipperary man Evan Byrne, who is in his fifth season with London, is hoping to keep up his impressive form in goal. In four league games and two Championship ties this year, he has conceded just one goal.

An influx of new players studying and taking up work in the English capital has strengthened the Londoners' hand this year, with Mayo, Sligo, Kerry and Galway among their home counties.

In addition, the likes of Barry Comer, free-taker Eoin O'Neill, Tony Gaughan, Derek Hagan and ex-Galway panellist Paul Geraghty, the Exiles' most influential forward this summer, have really stepped up to the mark.

This is London's third successive Championship game at Ruislip in six weeks. They took Mayo to extra-time in the Connacht Championship, and used a first half wind advantage to overcome Fermanagh and make history in the first round of the qualifiers.

LONDON (SFC v Waterford): Evan Byrne; Barry Comer, Michael Moloney, Dave McGreevy; Shane Doolin, Tony Gaughan, Donal O'Neill; Derek Hagan, Mark Gottsche; Ciaran McCallion, Paul Geraghty, Sean McVeigh (capt); Kevin O'Leary, Padraig McGoldrick, Eoin O'Neill.