And surprisingly, 1998 Footballer of the Year Jarlath Fallon will not start tomorrow's game despite speculation that the 33-year-old would end his three-year absence from inter-county football.

The Tuam Stars clubman was expected to bolster the Galway attack, but he still could have a say off the bench.

With their Connacht crown having slipped away, Galway look vulnerable but Ford is hoping his blend of youth and experience will see them through to the All-Ireland's last-eight.

The defensive changes see Alan Keane return in goal with Brian O'Donoghue making way, former All-Star Kieran Fitzgerald takes the right corner back berth from Alan Burke, while Corofin's Gary Sice will step in for his championship debut at left half-back. Michael Comer drops to the bench.

O'Donoghue and Comer were both parachuted into the Galway side for the clash with Mayo.

At midfield - an area in which the Tribesmen struggled last time out - Barry Cullinane will start in place of Niall Coleman.

Ford watched Cullinane in action for his club Claregalway last Sunday and was obviously impressed by a player who won a unique Under-21 All-Ireland football and hurling double last season with the county.

Cullinane will be partnered by Joe Bergin at centre-field - Bergin and team captain Michael Donnellan have swapped positions with Donnellan slotting in at left half-forward.

Paul Clancy's recovery from a knee problem will see him start at centre forward ahead of Cormac Bane, while Fiachra Breathnach is set for his championship bow. The Naomh Ana attacker will deputise for his Under-21 colleague Sean Armstrong (hamstring) at left corner forward.

Damien Dunleavy, who came on for Armstrong against Mayo, is currently suffering from an ankle complaint.

GALWAY (SFC v Westmeath) - A Keane; K Fitzgerald, F Hanley, D Burke; D Meehan, D Blake, G Sice; B Cullinane, J Bergin; M Clancy, P Clancy, M Donnellan (capt); M Meehan, P Joyce, F Breathnach.