The talented Enda Smith remains a key performer for Roscommon.
Allianz Football League Division Two
Saturday January 25
Armagh v Cavan, Athletic Grounds, 7pm
Sunday January 26
Westmeath v Clare, TEG Cusack Park, 2pm
Roscommon v Laois, Dr Hyde Park, 2pm
Kildare v Fermanagh, St Conleth's Park, 2.30pm
By Cian O'Connell
The new All Ireland Football Championship format ensures added significance is attached in Division Two of the Allianz Football League.
Retaining status at this level is critical so full blooded contests can be anticipated from the outset.
It promises to be very interesting too because several counties will feel that progress can be made.
Potential has been evident in Armagh so the clash with Cavan - following two gripping Ulster Championship games in 2019 - carries relevance.
Kieran McGeeney has stitched a talent panel together, but he will be fully aware of Cavan's craft.
While Cavan will be restricted for the League with Dara McVeety and Killian Clarke absent Mickey Graham's organisational skills mattered last year.
On Sunday Clare travel to the midlands for a key encounter against Westmeath.
Gary Brennan's loss is severe, but Colm Collins has extracted gutsy displays from Clare, who are anxious to stay operating in Division Two.
Jack Cooney's Westmeath host Clare at TEG Cusack Park on Sunday afternoon.
Westmeath's League campaigns have fluctuated during the past decade, but Jack Cooney's resourcefulness has them back in this grade.
Roscommon were relegated, but subsequently captured the Connacht title under Anthony Cunningham.
There was grit and guile in Roscommon's summer performances with Conor Cox adding that bit of forward class which was required.
Laois, though, have made strides coming from Division Four to Two with new manager Micheal Quirke providing a decent footballing CV.
While the unavailability of some important players is a setback, Quirke will still believe that Laois can make a positive impact.
Jack O'Connor's arrival as Kildare manager and the return of the exciting Daniel Flynn to the Lilywhite fold brings a source of optimism.
Ryan McMenamin has been involved with Fermanagh and takes over as manager for the 2020 campaign.
A demanding start awaits in Newbridge, but each and every week matters deeply in what promises to be a highly competitive Division Two.
TEAMS
ARMAGH (v Cavan): Blaine Hughes; Paddy Burns, Greg McCabe, Conor O'Neill; Callum Cumiskey, Brendan Donaghy, Aidan Forker; Niall Grimley, Stephen Sheridan; Jason Duffy, Rory Grugan, Oisin O'Neill; Conor Turbitt, Rian O'Neill, Stefan Campbell.
CAVAN (v Armagh): Raymond Galligan; Paddy Meade, Padraig Faulkner, Luke Fortune; Ciaran Brady, Benjamin Kelly, Oisin Kiernan; Killian Brady, Evan Fortune; Stephen Smith, Simon Cadden, Niall Murray; Martin Reilly, Gearoid McKiernan, Conor Madden.
KILDARE (v Fermanagh): Mark Donnellan; Peter Kelly, Mick O'Grady, Liam Healy; Johnny Byrne, Con Kavanagh, Shea Ryan; David Hyland, Tommy Moolick; Neil Flynn, Paul Cribbin, Paddy Brophy; Jack Robinson, Daniel Flynn, Niall Kelly.
