Val Andrews pictured during his last competitive match as Cavan manager on July 22 2001 against Derry. Andrews returns almost a decade later to take charge of Cavan - along with co-manager and then-selector Terry Hyland - for this season, which begins next Saturday against Queen's University.

Andrews back as all roads lead to Breffni Park

Published: Wed 5 Jan 2011, 9:30 AM

Last updated: Wed 5 Jan 2011, 11:18 AM

All roads lead to the new 3G pitch at Breffni Park this Saturday evening when Cavan get their 2011 season off to a start with the opening round of the Dr McKenna Cup against Queen's University (throw-in 7pm). The match will be the first competitive inter-county tie to be played on an artificial surface and will mark the return of Val Andrews to the Cavan bainisteoir bib. The popular Ballymun Kickhams man last patrolled the sideline for Cavan nine and a half years ago on July 22 2001, when his side were beaten by three points, 2-7 to 1-14, in an All Ireland qualifier against Derry in Clones. That was then, though, and this is now. Cavan had been beaten by two points in the Ulster final against Tyrone a fortnight previously and possessed a strong side boasting the likes of Dermot McCabe, Peter and Larry Reilly and Jason O'Reilly. Andrews - and co-manager Terry Hyland - faces a totally different challenge now, with Cavan at their lowest ebb for some time. They began their preparations with a useful work-out against Leitrim on the 3G pitch last Sunday. An experimental Cavan side lost by a point, 2-9 to 0-14, after four 20-minute quarters. â€œIt was a good work-out,â€ said Hyland after the match. â€œWe were very rusty up front, we created a lot of chances but it was an experimental team we had out.â€ Cavan used 22 players on the day. â€œIt's hard to get a rhythm and a flow going in a match broken up into quarters but it was nice to get started off and we're into the full swing of training now,â€ said Hyland. Ciaran Galligan and Padraic O'Reilly lined out at midfield for Cavan, with Ballinagh's O'Reilly the pick of the Cavan performers on the day. Cavan won't name their starting team for the Queen's match until Thursday and will have to contend with a number of injuries. Goalkeeper Fintan Reilly picked up an ankle injury in the Leitrim challenge and is out for Saturday's match, while defender John McCutcheon (shoulder) also took a knock and is rated doubtful. Queen's, managed by Armagh All Ireland-winner Cathal O'Rourke, are missing some of the marquee names of previous seasons, such as Charlie Vernon, but still have a strong young panel to call on. O'Rourke will be without the services of 2009 All-Ireland minor winner Rory Grugan, who is committed to Armagh, but will be able to call on Derry brothers Charlie and James Kielt. The weather forecast is predicting the return of snow on high ground in this county at the end of the week. However, officials are confident that the match will go ahead. Queen's (Dr McKenna Cup squad): P Graham (Creggan), S Barton (Moneymore), S Burke (St. Gall's), O Costello (Bredagh), B Cox (Belcoo), C Crilly (Castlewellan), S Finch (Rossa), C Fleming (Rossa), M Gallagher (Omagh, St. Enda's), L Howard (Bryansford), R Jones (Derrygonnelly), J Kielt (Kilrea), C Kielt (Kilrea), G McAleese (Portglenone), M Jackson (Tempo), N McKenna (Donaghmore), C McGovern (Burren), N McGovern (Belcoo), F McQuaid (Augher), B O'Boyle (Loup), T O'Hagan (Coalisland), L O'Neill (Coalisland), J O'Kane (Loup), C Rafferty (Granemore), M Sweeney (St. Brigid's).