McKeown ruled out for Crossmaglen

Paul McKeown (left) in action in the Ulster Club final in November

Crossmaglen will be without Paul McKeown and Kyle Carragher for Sunday's AIB All-Ireland Club quarter-final against Tir Chonaill Gaels in Ruislip.

McKeown, outstanding in the Ulster final win over St Gall's, has an ankle injury while Carragher broke a bone in his hand in a recent challenge game.

In addition, Francie Bellew remains unavailable for Cross.

On the plus side, John Donaldson is in contention again after suspension while Tony Kernan is also available.

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Kernan has recovered from a broken collarbone sustained against St Gall's.

Cathal Shortt, who along with Donaldson was suspended for the Ulster final, will not be in contention to play any part in Sunday's game because of a back injury.

"Paul (McKeown) twisted his ankle and while he has been showing a bit of improvement, he will not be fit to play in Ruislip," Crossmaglen manager Donal Murtagh told BBC Sport.

"Kyle Carragher, who came on as a sub against St Gall's, will be out for another two or three weeks but Tony Kernan is OK now while John Donaldson is available to return to the defence."

Murtagh added that Bellew is "maybe a month away" from being involved after suffering something of a setback in his recovery from a serious knee injury when he trained in and around Christmas.

We were given a fright in the quarter-final by Kerry Kingdom Gaels a couple of years ago so we won't be taking Tir Chonaill Gaels lightly Crossmaglen boss Donal Murtagh

"He did a bit of training and felt a bit sore the next morning.

"He's back doing some training now but he definitely won't be involved on Sunday."

Donaldson is likely to replace McKeown in defence while Stephen Kernan is also pushing hard for a recall after missing out on a starting place in the provincial decider because of injury.

The Crossmaglen squad and management returned from a 10-day holiday in Florida on 13 January.

"The holiday went very well. We did a bit of training out there, just a couple of sessions but the lads had a good time as well," added Murtagh.

The Cross boss travelled to London to watch Tir Chonaill Gaels last month and he is insisting that his team won't underestimate the Exiles.

"We were given a fright in the quarter-final by Kerry Kingdom Gaels a couple of years ago so we won't be taking Tir Chonaill Gaels lightly.

"They look a good strong physical team which has a few decent players."

If, as expected, Donal Murtagh's Cross win the Ruislip match, they will face a trip to Leinster champions St Vincent's in the semi-finals on 24 February.