Leitrim's injury list as cleared up just in time for their Connacht SFC opener against New York in Gaelic Park on Sunday.

The joint-management team of Barney Breen and George Dugdale have welcomed back goalkeeper Cathal McCrann, midfielder Wayne McKeon and forward Adrian Croal into the fold as they apply the finishing touches to their preparation for this weekend's trip.

McCrann and Croal suffered 'freak' injuries during the second round league loss to Clare while McKeon also missed a large part of the campaign but Breen didn't use the absence of that key trio as an excuse for their fifth-placed finish in Division 4.

"Too many Leitrim managers in the past have used injuries as an excuse for their failures and myself and George (Dugdale) have always been adamant that we wouldn't do that," Breen told The Irish Independent.

"Yes, we were unlucky with injuries but you have to get on with it with the players who you still have and we actually have a stronger squad this year."

Breen and Leitrim will take nothing for granted when they head to the Big Apple.

"We're flying over on Thursday and will get to play on the 3G pitch at Gaelic Park on Friday and Saturday which will help us to acclimatise.

"It's a first trip to New York for some of these lads and we cannot afford any distractions.

"Connie Molloy from Donegal, a brother of Anthony, is managing them (New York). His son is one of their stars, and their squad also includes Rory Woods, who used to play for Monaghan." Tweet

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