Offaly name team for crunch clash with Wicklow

The return of Declan Hogan is a major boost for Offaly, who have named their team for the Allianz Football League Division 3 clash against Wicklow in Tullamore tomorrow (Sunday).

The inclusion of experienced defender Hogan is one of two changes in personnel from the defeat to Down, with Anton Sullivan also coming into the team. The two players to make way are Durrow duo Jack O'Brien and Kevin McDermott, both of whom are on the bench (see match-day panel below).

While both Offaly and Wicklow have yet to register a point in this year's league campaign, Declan Kelly's charges showed some encouraging signs in their 4-12 to 2-14 defeat to table toppers Down in their last outing. Jack Bryant and Keith O'Neill scored the Offaly goals in that encounter at Páirc Esler, Newry.

In contrast, Oisin McConville's Wicklow outfit suffered a heavy defeat to Clare and with home advantage on their side, this appears an ideal opportunity for Offaly to claim their first win and ease their relegation worries in the process.

Sunday's game at Glenisk O'Connor Park has a throw-in time of 2pm.

Offaly team (vs Wicklow):

1. Ian Duffy (Walsh Island)

2. Aidan Bracken (Ballycommon)

3. David Dempsey (Ballycommon)

4. Lee Pearson (Edenderry, captain)

5. Cormac Egan (Tullamore)

6. John Furlong (Tullamore)

7. Declan Hogan (Tullamore)

8. Eoin Carroll (Cappincur)

9. Peter Cunningham (Bracknagh)

10. Dylan Hyland (Raheen)

11. Ruairí McNamee (Rhode)

12.Jordan Hayes (Edenderry)

13. Anton Sullivan (Rhode)

14. Keith O'Neill (Clonbullogue)

15. Jack Bryant (Shamrocks).

Subs: Mikey Cunningham (Bracknagh), Adam Bolger (Daingean), Jack O'Brien (Durrow), Daire McDaid (Tullamore), Rory Egan (Edenderry), Jack McEvoy (Clonbullogue), Kevin McDermott (Durrow), Nigel Dunne (Shamrocks), Nathan Poland (Erin Rovers), Cathal Flynn (Ferbane), Jordan Quinn (Kilcormac/Killoughey).