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IOL SPORT

No changes for Kildare
23/07/2009 - 21:28:41

Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney has opted to stick with the same side which lost this year's Leinster final to Dublin, naming an unchanged line-up for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC fourth round qualifier against Wicklow at O'Moore Park (throw-in 7pm).

With Eamonn Callaghan failing to recover in time, Ellistown clubman Ken Donnelly retains his place at full-forward after an impressive display against the Dubs.

Naas ace Callaghan failed to start the Leinster decider because of a groin injury. Although he appeared as a substitute and scored a point, Callaghan's response to treatment for his injury has been slow.

Michael Conway and James Kavanagh are both fit to start.

Keith Cribbin has not been named by McGeeney in the starting side, but he has made a full return to fitness and could make an impact off the bench.

Meanwhile, Killian Brennan, Willie Heffernan and Philip Hennessy were ruled out of contention for selection because of various injuries.

Saturday's meeting of Kildare and Wicklow is their first in the All-Ireland qualifiers, although the sides have met on five occasions since 1990 in the Leinster Championship.

The most recent meeting was last summer when Wicklow prevailed by 0-13 to 0-09 in a first round tie at Croke Park.

KILDARE (SFC v Wicklow) - T Corley; H McGrillen, M Foley, E Bolton; M O'Flaherty, B Flanagan, M Conway; D Flynn, D Earley; J Kavanagh, P O'Neill, R Sweeney; A Smith, K Donnelly, J Doyle (capt).