ALL-IRELAND SHC QUALIFIER:NOT MUCH championship bounce around Antrim as they get ready for the visit of Galway. Despite an all-embracing provincial championship and a competent display against a Down side much improved on last year, the Ulster champions are aware that this is a step too far.

Criticising the change in championship structure from qualifier groups with their three guaranteed matches, joint-manager Dominic McKinley commented: "I don't know why it changed. Twenty five years ago when I was playing we were doing things like playing Galway in Mullingar. It didn't work then; why would it work now?"

For Galway it's a first step into a championship for which they are being touted as potential All-Ireland winners. There remains a doubt over Joe Canning, who has recovered from blood poisoning but is recovering from the flu.

Eugene Cloonan's recall will cover Galway for frees if Canning doesn't make it. Much interest also centred on Fergal Moore's listing at full back although the consensus is that Shane Kavanagh will be the more conventional presence at number three.

However they line out, Galway will push the handicap of -18.

ANTRIM:R McGarry; A Graffin, N McGarry, M Kettle; C Herron, K McKeegan, J Campbell; K Stewart, M Magill; M Herron, L Watson, D McNaughton; P Richmond, C Donnelly, P Shiels.

GALWAY:J Skehill; D Joyce, F Moore, O Canning; S Kavanagh, J Lee, D Forde; A Cullinane, F Healy; A Kerins, C Donnellan, I Tannian; D Hayes, E Cloonan, J Canning.

Referee:Johnny Ryan (Tipperary).