Damian Barton hoping his team can avenge last year’s defeat to Tyrone this Sunday at Celtic Park
DAMIAN Barton has named his Derry senior team to face Tyrone in tomorrow’s Ulster Championship game at Celtic Park (throw in 2 pm).
And his players will be aiming to put on a good performance and avenge last year’s defeat by Mickey Harte’s Red Hand.
Barton has given three Derry players will make their championship debuts in the crunch game.
Goalkeeper Ben McKinless, defender Niall Keenan and forward Danny Tallon are first-time starters.
Conall McCann, who saw little game time in the league, is the surprise choice to start for Tyrone in midfield in one of three new faces for the Red Hands.
Defender Padraig Hampsey and half-forward Kieran McGeary also make their first championship starts for Tyrone.
Experienced defenders Cathal McCarron (hamstring) and Justin McMahon (quad) are ruled out through injury while Rory Brennan comes in at centre back.
Peter Harte drops back to the half back line for the first round tie, possibly to offset the absence of McCarron and McMahon.
All-Star midfielder Mattie Donnelly is named at corner forward, with skipper Sean Cavanagh at full forward.
Eight of those who will line out for Tyrone started last year’s 11-point win over the Oak Leafers at the same venue.
Derry have up to a dozen players who have either made themselves unavailable or are injured.
Barton has been hit by a number of withdrawals this year with goalkeeper Thomas Mallon and Slaughtneil midfielder Padraig Cassidy the latest to leave the panel in recent weeks.
Only six of the team who started last year’s 3-14 to 0-12 first round defeat by Tyrone are included in the starting fifteen.
Charlie Kielt is a surprise inclusion on the bench having not been part of the panel until several weeks ago.
Influential attacker Mark Lynch is also on the bench having struggled with injuries in the spring.
Here is the Derry team to face Tyrone:
1. Ben McKinless-B Mac Fionn-laidh-Baile an Doire
2. Niall Keenan-N Ó’Cianáin-Seanmhullach
3. Brendan Rogers -B Mac Ruairi-Sleacht Neil
4. Karl McKaigue-K Mac Thaidhg-Sleacht Neil
5. Ciaran McFaul-C Mac Mac Pháil-An Gleann
6. Christopher McKaigue-C Mac Thaidhg-Sleacht Neil
7. Carlus McWilliams-C Mac Uilliam-Baile Na Scrine
8. Conor McAtamney-C Mac an Tiompánaigh-Suitreach
9. Danny Heavron-D Heavron-Machaire Fiolta
10. Ryan Bell-R Mac Giolla Mhaoil-Baile an Doire
11. Niall Loughlin-N Mac Lochlainn-Grianloch
12. Enda Lynn (C)-E O Loinn-Grianloch
13. Danny Tallon-D Talun-An Gleann
14. Emmett McGuckin-E Mag Eochain-Machaire Fiolta
15. Benny Heron-B O hEarain-Baile Na Scrine
16. Conor McLarnon-C Mac Giolla Earnain-Machaire Fiolta
17. Michael McEvoy-M Mac an Fhiobui-Machaire Fiolta
18. Shane McGuigan-Seán Mag Uiginn-Sleacht Neil
19. Conor Nevin-C O’Cnaimhin-Baile an Doire
20. Mark Lynch-M O’Liongsigh-Beannchar
21. Charlie Kielt-C O’Caoilte-Cil Ria
22. Peter Hagan-P O’Hagain-Beannchar
23. Oisin Duffin-Oisín Ó Duifinn-Baile an Doire
24. Conor McGrogan-C Mac Gruagain-Droichead Nua
25. Gavin O’Neill-G O’Neill-Beannchar
26. Conor Doherty-Conchúr Ó Dochartaigh-Droichead Nua
The Tyrone Team:
Tyrone: N Morgan; A McCrory, R McNamee, P Hampsey; T McCann, R Brennan, P Harte; C Cavanagh, C McCann; K McGeary, N Sludden, C Meyler; M Bradley, S Cavanagh, M Donnelly.
Subs: M O’Neill, L Brennan, F Burns, D McClure, D McCurry, HP McGeary, R McNabb, P McNulty, C McShane, D Mulgrew, R O’Neill.
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