Down add six new faces to their squad for McKenna Cup

Gary McArdle

Down have added six new faces to their squad for the forthcoming McKenna Cup campaign, but manager James McCartan must plan without several key players.

Gary McArdle is recalled, having played under Ross Carr, while Mayobridge trio Miceal Lively, Shane McNamee and Conleth O'Hare all come into the panel.

Clann na Banna player Liam Devlin and Shane Harrison of Glasdrumman are also called up for the pre-season series.

Danny Hughes is one of the regular first-choice players missing.

Doubts remain as to whether the 2010 Allstar will line out for the Mournemen at all in 2014.

Benny Coulter, Mark Poland, Dan Gordon, Ambrose Rogers, Brendan McVeigh, Kevin McKernan and Conor Laverty will all sit out the competition.

Conor Garvey is included after missing last year's Championship campaign after sustaining an eye injury at work.

Liam Doyle has returned to training with the squad and Kilcoo wing-back Paul Devlin is handed an opportunity to impress after not featuring last season.

Down get their McKenna Cup campaign underway on Sunday when they host UUJ in Section C, before facing Cavan at Breffni Park on 12 January.

Antrim will be their opponents at Pairc Esler on Wednesday 15 January.