Westmeath's Keith Scally has been unveiled as captain of New York ahead of this weekend's Mick Higgins Memorial Series against Cavan.

A regular on the Big Apple set-up for the last three years, Scally described his appointment by manager Ian Galvin as a 'privilege'.

"I was absolutely delighted when I found out. The team is full of leaders and experienced footballers and any of them would have been a worthy choice so that made it even more of a privilege that I was given the nod.

"They are a great bunch of lads to be involved with. The attitude is even better than last and everyone has bought into what we're doing and what we're trying to achieve."

Manager Galvin explained: "Picking the captain was a tough task as there ware at least a half dozen lads who could have got it. It bodes well for us as I feel they will all be captains in their own right on the field.

"When we settled on Keith we knew we were getting someone very well respected within the panel and he is fully deserving of the accolade for his commitment and leadership."

New York will use the visit of Cavan to fine-tune their preparations for their Connacht SFC clash with Galway.

"We would certainly view Cavan as being on the same level as Galway. They have a similar style of football and they'll give us exactly the sort of challenge we need.

"We want to also build a bit of hype around the team and get the New York people out supporting us.

"We're looking for two wins because we all know well that winning is a habit. We want to plant a seed of doubt for Galway and prove to them and everyone here that there is huge talent here.

"We really need that support from our crowd. The people on the street don't see the lengths we go to, but we know that we have to gain their support.

"We know what some people think and it's hard to disagree with them when you look at the results over the last couple of years.

"I have huge belief in our lads and I told them that on Monday. We have come through a tough winter and we face other disadvantages, but we're very confident facing Cavan and we know exactly what we have to do."

Terry Hyland's Cavan will be visiting the New York area as part of a training camp ahead of their Ulster SFC opener against neighbours Monaghan in May. 

Tickets will be available at the gates on both days and are priced at $20 ($10 concession for retired and students/free for U18s).

The Cavan players and management will also attend a meet-and-greet with supporters in Rory Dolan's on McLean Ave in Woodlawn on Friday night with closed training sessions due to take place at the grounds of Rockland GAA Club.

On Thursday, Rockland will welcome the Cavan panel and GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail for a sod turning at their new clubhouse development.

The Breffni men land in to JFK just after lunchtime Wednesday and will make a stop at Frank Golden Park in Queens where they will be hosted by the Shannon Gaels GAA club and will view their Field of Dreams project in the company of young Gaels players.

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