Galway head to Cusack Park in Mullingar on Sunday (2.30pm ) for a crucial game against Westmeath in division two of the NFL. If Galway win, they will have five points in the bag and will have taken a huge step in maintaining their status for the coming year.
Team selector Alan Flynn says Sunday’s game is vital, falling into the “four-pointer” category.
“Westmeath, who have lost their last two games [to Louth and Meath}, badly need the points and they will be really gunning for a win on home ground. However we had a good challenge against Cork recently and and we are hopeful of a producing a winning performance.
“We showed a little bit of inexperience against Louth when we did not push on when on top in the first half and, if we get that kind of a chance on Sunday ,we expect to take it.”
Flynn expects the return of several players will lead to greater competition in the squad. “We have a few lads coming back from longer term injuries which is a big plus. Sean [Armstrong], Greg [Higgins] and Damien [Burke] are all getting back to full fitness, and Micheal Boyle is also expected back to training this week.”
As part of a squad rotation policy and in an effort to try out different combinations, the management is making changes to Sunday’s line-up.
Corofin’s Kieran McGrath is expected to come in at corner back, while Tuam Stars’ Conor Doherty, who won an All-Ireland u-21 medal, starts at wing-forward. The vastly experienced Joe Bergin comes in at midfield for Fiontán Ó Curraoin, who is carrying a niggling leg injury from his successful Sigerson campaign last weekend with DCU.
Galway: Manus Breathnach, Kieran McGrath, Finian Hanley (cpt ), Keith Kelly, Gareth Bradshaw, Johnny Duane, Gary Sice, Thomas Flynn, Joe Bergin, Conor Doherty, Paul Conroy, Mark Hehir, Michael Martin, Nicky Joyce, Danny Cummins.
