GAA: Derry open NFL campaign against Fermanagh this afternoon

Derry will be without Enda Lynn and Brendan Rogers for their National Footballl League Division 2 opener at Celtic Park this afternoon (throw in 2.15pm).

Both sustained injuries during the Oak Leaf county’s Dr McKenna Cup exploits which ended in defeat against Tyrone in a bruising encounter in Armagh on Saturday night last.

Mark Lynch (pictured) is also missing from the starting line-up, although he is included among the substitutes.

Karl McKaigue, Ciaran Mullan, Neil Forester, Emmett Bradley, Conor McAtamney and Conor Kearns have all been rewarded for impressive performances in the McKenna Cup by making the 15 who will take to the field for the throw-in. The Derry team is:

1. Thomas Mallon (An Lúb) 2. Karl McKaigue (Sleacht Néill) 3. Chrissy McKaigue (Sleacht Néill) (C) 4. Ciarán Mullan (Eoghan Rua) 5. Neil Forester (Baile Stíl) 6. Gareth McKinless (Baile an Doire) 7. Ciarán McFaul (Gleann) 8. Emmett Bradley (Gleann) 9. Conor McAtamney (Suaitreach) 10. Conor Kearns (Machaire Fíolta) 11. James Kielt (Cill Ria) 12. Benny Heron (Baile na Scrine) 13. Daniel Heavron (Machaire Fíolta) 14. Cailean O’Boyle (Leamhaigh) 15. Ryan Bell (Baile an Doire)

16. Eoin McNicholl (Gleann an Iolair) 17. Oisín Duffy (Forghleann) 18. Ryan Ferris (Machaire Fíolta) 19. Joe Morgan (Cill Ria) 20. Mark Craig (Dún Geimhin) 21. Shane Heavron (Machaire Fíolta) 22. Christopher Bradley (Sleacht Néill) 23. Niall Loughlin (Grianloch) 24. Daniel McKinless (Baile an Doire) 25. Conor Murphy (Dún Geimhin) 26. Mark Lynch (Beannchar)