DUBLIN manager Mickey Whelan admits to being disappointed that his side has fallen short of its pre Christmas target in Division Two of the National Football League.

"I was expecting to have six to eight points by the time of the break, but this is not now possible despite the fact that we had every opportunity to win our first two games against Leitrim and Armagh," says Whelan.

"We must start on Sunday in a more positive vein," he says of the meeting with All Ireland finalists: Mayo in Castlebar.

Whelan's latest problem concerns midfielder Brian Stynes who was detained for nearly five hours in hospital last Sunday after sustaining a head injury while assisting his club Ballyboden St Enda's against Erin's Isle.

The Dublin manager was particularly disappointed to hear of this latest addition to a worrying injury list which also includes Pat Gilroy, one of the side's long term injured, Jim Gavin and Mick Deegan.

However, Whelan expects Paul Beatin to be fit again for one of the midfield spots. "We will just have to see who we have got tomorrow night. It is essential that we have a good league.

"The further you go the better the chances are for trying out young players in serious competition. Of the players I have brought in, Ian Robertson is shaping well, as is young Whelan (Ciaran) and Cosgrove (Ray)."

Whelan was pleased to see Charlie Redmond back in training last Thursday. The Erin's Isle man has remained match fit in club fare and is certain to be given the nod for his first league match this season.

Martin McHugh is happy to be a "mere face in the crowd" in Ballyshannon on Sunday when Donegal play host to Cavan. The Donegal man, taking a couple of months off from his management of the Cavan team, dismisses suggestions that he is just as happy to avoid a place on the bench of his native county's opponents.

Rumours persist, though, that McHugh will return to Donegal as manager the moment PJ McGowan's anticipated move into Ulster Council administration is finalised. For the present, however, McHugh admits only to enjoying his break.

"It has been great," says McHugh. "I can spend a lot of time with my family as opposed to being involved in football and travelling five nights a week. I am also happy with the way things are going for Cavan. The team has included up to eight under 21 players against Kildare. Division One teams use the league to have a look at players. The place to see them is in competitive football. You can play as many challenge games as you like."

Tyrone manager Danny Ball will not be announcing his team to play Kildare in Newbridge until tomorrow. Ball will have to plan without the services of Mattie McGleenan whose ankle injury has been slow to respond to treatment. Eamonn McCaffrey is almost certain to deputise. Peter Canavan remains steadfast in his decision not to resume until February.

Meanwhile, Derry, the National Football League title holders for the past two seasons, concede that they do pot know "whether they are coming or going" because of illness and injuries.

An all time low turnout of eight players attended last week's training session and although selector Frank Kearney says that thoughts of retaining the title again remain in their minds, morale in the camp is low.

The list of players who are doubtful or unavailable for Sunday's clash with Cork resembles a who's who of Derry football.

The list reads: Kieran McKeever (suspected broken jaw); Emmet, his brother, is a flu victim, as are Sean Lockart, Paul McFlynn, Seanie McGuckin and Henry Downey; Adrian McGuckin (chest infection); Ronan McGuckin (thigh strain); John McBride (broken nose). Adding to this of course is the fact that Anthony Tohill will not be in action again until February as a result of knee surgery.

Not surprisingly, though, Derry have a number of young players coming on stream. These include UUJ players Paul Farrell and Dominic McIlvar.

Cork will make the 600 mile round trip journey to Ballinascreen by air. Liam Honohan is expected to be named at full forward once more.