Manager keep an eye on "mercy committee" meeting

DONEGAL manager PJ McGowan is placing considerable faith in the GAA's so called mercy committee" which will meet during the Central Council meeting at Croke Park next Saturday.

McGowan's squad has been severely affected in recent matches due to the suspensions handed out to players who lined out in New York championship games without proper authorisation. But, with a hint of possible redemption in the air, the Donegal selectors have deferred naming a side for Sunday's National Football League Division One game with Derry at Celtic Park until Saturday night, after the GAA hierarchy considers the appeals of those players who are currently in limbo.

If the suspended players are given early reprieves, McGowan may be tempted to include Manus Boyle, Barry McGowan, Damien Diver and John Ban Gallagher in the team.

Cavan, who trained at Breffni Park last night, were due to name: their team afterwards but have deferred selection until today. It is expected at least one vacancy will be left in the side in the hope that Bernard Morris, another player suspended for playing in the United States, will be reinstated.

Division One leaders Cork, meanwhile, will have Colin Corkery available for their trip to play Tyrone at Dungannon. Corkery, who was dismissed in the win over Cavan last Sunday, week, has been handed the minimum, two week ban, but Mark O'Sullivan - sent off in a Sigerson Cup last week - is ruled out. The Cork team is due to be named this evening.

Louth full back Gareth O'Neill is expected to be ready in time for the vital Division Two match with joint pacesetters Laois at Drogheda. O'Neill has been receiving treatment for a hamstring injury and will be asked to prove his fitness at training tonight, after which the Louth team will be selected.

Flu victim Pat Fallon and Pat Holmes, who has an ankle injury, are causing some concern in the Mayo camp in the run up to their Division Two match with Leitrim at Ballina. Mayo manager John Maughan has deferred naming a side until tonight, but indications are that John Casey and All Star James Horan will return to the attack as the beaten All Ireland finalists attempt to stave off relegation.

Clare make just one change from the side that beat Mayo last Sunday week for their visit to Armagh: Padraig Gallagher, who is ruled out due fob injury, is replaced - at left half back by Charles O'Loughlin. Armagh, who are attempting to stretch their unbeaten run in the division to five games, have left two vacancies in their side and are another county with an eye on the Croke Park chambers next Saturday in the hope that Kieran McGeeney's suspension for playing without authorisation in the United States will be lifted.

Offaly have made one enforced change in attack for the Division Four top of the table encounter with Fermanagh at Tullamore. Sean Grennan, who was sent off against Carlow, misses the game because of suspension and is replaced at centre half forward by Mark Daly, while the only change in defence sees Cathal Daly come, in at comer back for John Brady. Fermanagh are without attacker Raymond Gallagher, who is ruled out with a back injury.