Higgins is latest injury blow ahead of league opener
Wednesday, 3 February 2010
Noel Fallon
THE FIRST game of any competition is always important. It's a sporting cliche but next Sunday's opening match in Division 3 has the potential to shape Roscommon's Allianz national league campaign.
With a full strength team Roscommon would be confident of beating Cavan who are managed by former Roscommon boss Tommy Carr.
Roscommon, who are due to pick their team tomorrow (Wednesday) night. have a number of notable absentees not least Karol Mannion who was the difference between the sides when they last met in the league in Hyde Park two years ago.
Mannion is troubled by an ongoing ankle injury which will keep him out of action for most of the league.
There is better news of David Keenan who has returned to training after a series of shoulder injuries and the Roscommon management hope he will be fit to return halfway through the league.
Senan Kilbride was due to have an update on his groin injury last night (Monday) but he is more likely to be available for the second match of the league against Fermanagh on Saturday week than next Sunday.
The latest injury worry for Fergal O'Donnell is Brian Higgins who pulled his hamstring against Mayo last Sunday and is out of contention for next Sunday's match.
Roscommon will welcome back Cathal Cregg, Peter Domican, David O'Gara and Donie Shine who have been playing for their third-level sides during January.
Geoffrey Claffey will be in goal with his Castlerea team-mate Michael Killilea set to play at full-back after an impressive performance against Mayo last Sunday. Seánie McDermott, Stephen Ormsby and Peter Domican are the contenders for the corner-back positions.
The options in the half-back line include Ian Kilbride, Niall Carty, John Rogers and Colm Garvey.
The probable midfield pairing is Mark O'Carroll and Michael Finneran. Donie Shine is likely to slot in at full-forward with Gary Cox, Enda Kenny, Kevin Higgins, Ger Heneghan, David O'Gara, Cathal McHugh and Cathal Cregg all in contention for places.
A win next Sunday would set up Roscommon for a good campaign but defeat would leave the team on the back foot immediately in this league campaign.
Roscommon have just two further home games after Sunday and points will not be easy to pick up on the road.
The Roscommon forwards must up their scoring rate if the team is to beat Cavan. That will involve quicker ball from out the field and more movement from the forwards. In Seanie Johnston Cavan possess a classy forward who is a gamebreaker.
In the belief Roscommon will up their scoring rate they get a hesitant vote.
Prediction:Roscommon.
Throw-in: 2.30 p.m., Hyde Park.
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