Three debutants included in Cian O'Neill's Kildare side for opening league game
Cian O'Neill has named his side to take on Westmeath in the opening round of the National Football League on Sunday afternoon.
The most noteworthy news is that Moorefield duo Ryan Houlihan and Adam Tyrell are given their debuts in the league, as is Maynooth sharpshooter Neill Flynn. Only seven players who started in last season's 27-point defeat to Kerry have been named in the first XV.
Mark Donnellan, Ciaran Fitzpatrick, Ollie Lyons, Eoghan O'Flaherty, Paul Cribbin, Cathal Mc Nally and Niall Kelly are the players to retain their places from that game.
Paul Cribbin, who missed the entirety of the O'Byrne Cup through injury, has been named at wing-forward, while Athy defender David Hyland has been listed to start in midfield. Peter Kelly will captain the side from corner-back in the absence of Eoin Doyle, who remains sidelined through injury.
Throw-in at Cusack Park in Mullingar is at 2pm on Sunday.
Kildare
1. Mark Donnellan
2.Peter Kelly
3.Ciaran Fitzpatrick
4.Ollie Lyons
5.Jonathan Byrne
6.Fergal Conway
7.Ryan Houlihan
8.Daryl Flynn
9.David Hyland
10.Adam Tyrell
11.Eoghan O'Flaherty
12.Paul Cribbin
13.Neil Flynn
14.Niall Kelly
15.Cathal McNally