Teenager Connellan set for Westmeath debut
Athlone teenager John Connellan could have a vital role to play for Westmeath when they take on Sligo in the third round of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers tonight (Markievicz Park, throw-in 7pm).
The 18-year-old has got the backing of Westmeath manager Tomas O Flatharta - he will make his first championship start against Sligo, having come off the bench in the dramatic one-point victory over Limerick, two weeks ago.
An established minor star, Connellan comes in as one of three changes to the side that saw off the Shannonsiders. Brendan Nannery (hamstring) and Joe Fallon (knee) are out with injuries so Derek Heavin and Connellan step up.
Gary Dolan has recovered from injury to take Gordon Duffy's place in the half-forward line. Heavin is in at right half-forward, Dolan will line out at centre forward while Connellan will work out of the right corner.
Influential midfielder David O'Shaughnessy, who captained Westmeath to the Leinster title in 2004, will not be risked due to a leg injury so David Duffy and Paul Bannon continue their budding centre-field partnership.
2004 All-Star John Keane has reverted to the full-back position. Damien Healy is now stationed at right corner back having started at centre forward the last day.
Westmeath, who have accounted for London and Limerick in this summer's qualifiers, are gunning to reach the fourth round for the first time since 2001 when they beat Mayo in extra-time.
Their captain Dessie Dolan will be hoping to top off his birthday week - he turned 27 last Tuesday - with another impressive display of scoring. The Garrycastle attacker notched 0-05 (4f) against Limerick in what was his first start of the championship season.
WESTMEATH (SFC v Sligo) - G Connaughton; D Healy, J Keane, F O’Boyle; M Ennis, D O’Donoghue, G Glennon; D Duffy, P Bannon; D Heavin, G Dolan, A Mangan; J Connellan, Denis Glennon, D Dolan (capt).
