Down boss Jimmy Reilly will miss Milligan's drive

A broken hand sustained in the victory over Westmeath last week will rule the start half-back out of contention for a month.

Milligan had scored a goal from the left half-back berth against Westmeath and his driving force will be missed.

Down boss Jimmy O'Reilly has brought in Ballycran all-rounder Mick Braniff at left half-back to fill the void in an otherwise unchanged side.

Still with Down, football keeper Peter Travers has hung up his county gloves.

The Bryansford star, who featured strongly in past seasons for the county, has decided to concentrate on the club game.

''My county career is at a pause at the minute. I just decided that enough was enough,'' said Travers.

Meanwhile, struggling Derry have been forced to make major changes for their Allianz NHL Division 1B date with Cork at Pairc Ui Rinn.

Changes

A long injury list sees seven players on the sidelines with the defence particular weakened.

Ryan Lynch (calf), Emmet McKeever (ankle), Michael Collins (back) and Danny McGrellis are missing from the starting line-up with John O'Dwyer missing because of work commitments.

D|erry also have Gregory and Gary Biggs and Benny Ward already out of action.

Cork have also made five changes with Paul Morrissey taking over in goal from Donal Og Cusack.

Alan Cummins returns at right half-back while Jason Barrett and Mike Morrissey are also in action alongside the recalled Seanie McGrath.

Waterford's John Mullane has been suspended for three months following an incident in a challenge match between his club De La Salle and Kilkenny side Mullinavat last October.

Down: G Clarke, L Clarke, S Murray, E Dorrian, M Pucci, G Savage, M Braniff, S Wilson, G Adair, G McGrattan, P Braniff, E Trainor, M Coulter, jnr, G Johnston, S Clalrke.

Derry: K Stevenson, P McVeigh, G Brunton, AN Other, A McCloskey, D Magill, P O'Kane, O Collins, P Murphy, P Cartin, M COnway, R Convery, AN Other, R Kennedy, E Cushnahan.