Seven players to watch in 2019 Allianz National Football League
Friday 25 January 2019 16:40, UK
Ahead of the start of the Allianz National Football League action, we look at seven players who could make a splash in the coming weeks.
Cillian McDaid (Galway)
As Galway look for an added edge in 2019 to help them take the next step, the return of McDaid from Australia is a welcome boost. The Monivea-Abbey club man played a key role as the Tribesmen reached the 2017 U21 All-Ireland final, scoring 1-1 in the decider defeat to Dublin.
McDaid was given a starting berth by Kevin Walsh right from the off this season, as the westerners look to recreate their 2018 league form. Fans of the Tribesmen will be hoping the injury which ruled him out of the FBD League final does not prove to be serious.
Kyle Coney (Tyrone)
Coney's return to the Tyrone team comes as a major boost, as the Red Hands look to build on last year's All-Ireland final appearance. The 28-year-old still has much to offer and is hungrier than ever after four years away from the side.
After impressing in the McKenna Cup, Coney can certainly be an asset in Mickey Harte's forward line throughout the league.
Darragh Canavan (Tyrone)
There is understandable hype surrounding the young forward given his father Peter's legendary status in Tyrone. Dubbed 'The Son of God' by fans of the Ulster county, the Errigal Ciaran star was given game time throughout the McKenna Cup.
Mickey Harte clearly has high hopes for the youngster, as he aims to strengthen his inside forward line to add more options. Canavan starts from the bench against Kerry on Sunday, but strong showings as a substitute will see him break into the team before long.
Jimmy Hyland (Kildare)
Hyland is one of a cohort of last summer's U20 All-Ireland winning side brought into the senior fold by Cian O'Neill. The talented sharp-shooter kicked a remarkable eight points from play to help the Lilywhites to victory in that U20 final against Mayo, and is one of the hottest properties in the game right now.
After imposing performances in the O'Byrne Cup, Kildare fans will be hopeful Hyland can compensate for the loss of Daniel Flynn in the Kildare forward line over the coming months.
Conor Diskin (Mayo)
Diskin is set to make his debut against Roscommon on Saturday night, and it is not difficult to see why there is hype surrounding the Claremorris forward. One of the standout stars of the county's run to the All-Ireland U20 final last summer, Diskin will be eager to make an impression when given his opportunity.
James Horan will be looking for young stars to put their hands up this springtime, so chances will be available.
Brian Reape (Mayo)
Reape is another who will make his inter-county bow on Saturday evening in McHale Park. The Moy Davitts forward possesses a real scoring threat, having caught the eye in last year's county championship. He scored 1-1 and 0-3 from play against Leitrim and Galway respectively in the FBD League earlier this month, and will be aiming to continue those contributions throughout the Division One campaign.
Named in the full forward line, he will get chances in the coming weeks, with Andy Moran's game-time likely to be managed.
Sean McMahon (Dublin)
The Raheny club man played full-back for the Dubs in the O'Byrne Cup, and was among those to impress. While Aaron Byrne and Sean Bugler also showed what they are capable of, there may be more opportunities in the backs in the coming weeks.
Jim Gavin has rewarded those who have taken their chance in January in recent seasons, with Niall Scully and Brian Howard capitalising on positive O'Byrne Cup showings to becoming mainstays in the first team.
