Former Antrim player James Loughrey included in Cork squad

James Loughrey

Former Antrim player James Loughrey has been named in the Cork squad for Sunday's Division One clash with Mayo.

Loughrey could make his debut for the Munster champions after playing in a club championship game last weekend.

The highly-rated defender left the Saffrons squad after moving to his girlfriend's hometown of Mallow at the start of the year.

The call-up to Conor Counihan's panel appears to have ruled out any chance of Loughrey playing for his native county.

Loughrey is handed his chance after the Rebels' squad was decimated with injuries in recent weeks.

The former St Brigid's clubman lined out for divisional outfit Avondhu in their 1-11 to 1-7 defeat by Duhallow last weekend.

He had already ruled out playing for Antrim this summer but the confirmation of his inclusion in the Cork squad will still come as a blow to manager Frank Dawson.

The trainee accountant played on the Saffron side which made it to the Ulster Final in 2009.

Cork go into the game against last year's All-Ireland finalists in pole position to claim the fourth Division One semi-final berth but could also be dragged into the relegation race if they lose and results elsewhere go against them.