GAA: Chris gives Derry steel in defence; Cork v Derry.

CHRIS Collins steps out of the shadows and straight into the firing line tomorrow.

The injury-troubled defender returns to the Derry side to tackle the job of curbing one of minor football's current superstars.

An injury to centre back Stephen Scullion means Collins is drafted straight into the heart of the Oak Leaf defence, and into a direct confrontation with the exciting Conrad Murphy.

Murphy has had a spectacular championship to date, hitting seven glorious points in the Munster Final victory over Kerry.

But Derry are fortunate to have a player of the quality of Collins to deputise for the unfortunate Scullion, struggling to shake of the painful effects of shin-splints.

Collins, now recovered from a knee problem, was last year's minor centre back, and a member of this season's Ireland U-17 squad for the International Rules series.

So, he won't be short on big match experience, and should revel in the Croker atmosphere.

Another player set to excel in the open spaces at headquarters is graceful and athletic Jim Kelly, whose move to centre forward from full forward in a straight switch with Ciaran O'Neill will worry the Cork management.

Cork, less than convincing in retaining their Munster title, have made a string of changes.

Paul Deane comes in at full back, Denis O'Hare at centre back, while Declan Barron has also been drafted in to play at right half forward.