New Antrim manager Paddy Bradley is keen that his side should hit the ground running in the Gaelic Life Dr McKenna Cup.

And he’s certainly prepared to give youth a chance as he prepares to make his managerial debut with the Saffrons.

No fewer than 14 newcomers are in his squad since he has been forced to play without James Loughrey, Justin Crozier, Sean Burke, Michael Pollock, Thomas McCann, CJ McGourty and Kevin O’Boyle who will be lining out for their colleges instead.

Virtually all of these were first-choice Antrim players this year and now the gauntlet has been thrown down to the new faces.

“I want people who are totally committed to Antrim, that’s essential. I am very keen to see these players in a competitive environ

ment,” says Bradley.

Among the notable absentees are Kevin Niblock, who is facing a long lay-off due to injury, former captain Sean Kelly, who is expected to rejoin the panel for the National League, and midfielder Joe Quinn, who has announced his retirement.

But Bradley still feels he has a ration of experience in the side and he is looking forward to the opening Dr McKenna Cup clash with Cavan on Saturday, January 3.

“There is no such thing as an easy game now at inter-county level no matter what the competition. I think players must show a desire from an early stage and I

am anxious that we should display the right attitude,” says Bradley.

But the door remains open for other players to come through.

“We will amend the squad for the National League, having assessed the players in the McKenna Cup. We will keep our options open,” maintains Bradley.

Several players who have been catching the eye at Under-21 and Minor level are included in the senor panel for the first time.

ANTRIM SQUAD: D McAlernon, N O’Connell, D Graham, T Scullion, K Close, M McCann, K McQuillan, C Creaney, P Conlon, J Finucane, P Cunningham, K Brady, P Carey, M McCarry, G McAleese, B Hasson, D Edwards, C Maxwell, D Gault, A McLean, C Brady, A Gallagher, A Douglas, K McGlinchey, S McGreevy, L Carlin, C McGoldrick, M Magill.