Antrim manager Dinny Cahill has opted for youth in selecting his team for the start of the National Hurling League.

Cahill's Dunloy contigent were not considered as they prepare for their All Ireland Club final against Birr on St Patrick's Day.

Jonny Campbell and Michael McCambridge, who appeared as substitutes in last year's heroic display in Croke Park against Tipperary, get starting places in defence.

Gavin Bell gets a place at centre-half-back.

In the forwards, Martin Scullion and Ryan McNaughton are also given starts.

Bell and Scullion have progressed from the Antrim Under-21 Ulster-winning team of 2002.

All Star nominee Brian McFall is named in the full-forward line alongside Conor McCambridge and Aidan Delargy.

Antrim (v Down): D Quinn, M Kettle K Kelly J Campbell, M McCambridge G Bell C Herron, K McKeegan J Connolly, M Scullion R McNaughton L Watson, C McCambridge A Delargy, B McFall.