WITH Division Four still on a winter break and Divisions Two and Three badly hit by flu, many team selections for the weekend's resumption of the All-Ireland League have been deferred until later in the week. A number of clubs have decided to hold on to see how long their casualty list is before making any firm decisions.
Of the sides that have selected Bective Rangers welcome back Vincent Cunningham from injury to make his club AIL debut against Monkstown. Having torn a muscle in his thigh earlier in the season, Cunningham, who last year played with St Mary's, returns after six weeks on the sidelines.
But that seems to be the one piece of good news that Bective can offer as the rest of the team have injuries and flu. Lock Fiachra Lennon is doubtful due to a hip injury while flanker Trevor Brennan's ankle injury may still beta problem. Number eight Phillip Kenny has been suffering from flu while the wing position has been left Vacant for a later decision. It is likely to be between Andrew Johnson and Craig Whelan.
Monkstown have only one change from their last game. Danny Dent returns from injury and fills the hooker position.
NIFC bring in Barry Gribben for Alan Swinson at out-half in an otherwise unchanged side for their match against Greystones at Judges Road. The Co Wicklow team, though, has not yet been selected.
Skerries remain unchanged for their away fixture with UCC but again the students cannot yet select because of both injury and flu. The university side's friendly match against Cork Constitution, which doubled up as a Munster Development league and a Crowley Cup match on St Stephen's Day, was the main outing over the holiday period. Cork Con won the game but both teams had several players missing.
Neither Wanderers or Clontarf play at the weekend. Instead they will meet on January 22nd.
In Division Three Queens University welcome back club captain Robin Morrow after a month's absence while winger Paul Stewart returns after three months out with a knee injury. The team also hope that Johathan Burns and Ally Boyd will be fit to play after injuries sustained in training.
Goods news too for Richard Weir who comes back for his first AIL game following a jaw injury sustained against a touring New Zealand side last November.
UCD, who have a crucial game against Corinthians are deferring selection because of flu and exams. The students must win if their promotion hopes are to be kept alive. Corinthians will select later in the week.
