McCormack and Giles named in Westmeath team for Derry trip
By Kieran Galvin
Callum McCormack will make his first starting appearance for Westmeath in this year's Allianz Football League against Derry on Sunday (Celtic Park, 2.30pm).
The inclusion of the Maryland forward is one of two changes on the Westmeath team from their last outing against Dublin, with Alan Giles also drafted into the starting XV. Giles is selected in the full forward line alongside McCormack and Denis Glennon.
While the return of McCormack is likely to be welcomed by Westmeath fans, the selection of Giles comes as something of a surprise as he has struggled to make an impact at this level. In the ensuing reshuffle, the two players to lose out are Jamie Gonoud and Denis Corroon.
Athlone's John Egan has been operating in a sweeper role so far this season but, for the trip to Derry, he's selected in the half back line alongside Garrycastle's James Dolan and John Gilligan of Ballymore. Team captain Paul Sharry partners David Duffy at midfield.
Dessie Dolan - despite scoring a fine goal against Dublin and repeating the track in a challenge match against Roscommon last week - is once again held in reserve.
Having lost their opening two games, Westmeath need a win tomorrow but a victory will not be easily achieved on Derry soil.
Meanwhile, Ballinderry Shamrocks trio Ryan Bell, Aaron Devlin and Gareth McKinless have been called into the Derry squad, although none of them are listed to start against Westmeath.
The Ballinderry players are now available for inter-county duty following their All-Ireland club championship exit at the hands of St Vincent's.
Derry have made an excellent start to this year's Division 1 campaign, drawing with arch rivals Tyrone and then beating Kerry. And Brian McIver's charges are likely to provide the Lake County with a demanding test on Foyleside.
Westmeath and Derry were both promoted from Division 2 last year, with the Oak Leaf men winning the Division 2 final between the sides.
Westmeath SF team v Derry: Darren Quinn; Steven Gilmore, Kieran Gavin, Kevin Maguire; James Dolan, John Gilligan, John Egan; David Duffy, Paul Sharry; John Heslin, Ger Egan, Kieran Martin; Callum McCormack, Alan Giles, Denis Glennon.
Derry SF team v Westmeath: Thomas Mallon; Mark Craig, Chrissy McKaigue, Dermot McBride; Kevin Johnston, Gerard O'Kane, Sean Leo McGoldrick; Fergal Doherty, Mark Lynch; Ciaran McFaul, James Kielt, Enda Lynn; Benny Heron, Emmett McGuckin, Cailean O'Boyle.