ALTHOUGH a hint of mercy appears to be in the air for those who played without proper authorisation in New York last year (next Saturday's meeting of the Central Council is expected to foreshorten the suspensions already dispensed), the Kerry selectors have demonstrated considerable confidence in the personnel definitely at their disposal for Sunday's National Football League Division One encounter with Cavan at Kingscourt.
The only question mark about the Kerry team's composition concerns the right-full back position, which has been left vacant. Mike Hassett, who played there in the comprehensive win over Tyrone last Sunday week, may be unavailable due to Laune Rangers' involvement in the All-Ireland club football semi-final with Crossmaglen Rangers on Sunday week, while his probable deputy Killian Burns is struggling to overcome the effects of flu.
A decision on Hassett has yet to be made, but manager Paidi O Se is working on the promise that the Killorglin man will be given the traditional Sunday off before the club match.
Liam Flaherty has recovered from the hamstring injury which forced his withdrawal from the team against Tyrone and is brought back in at centre-half back, with Joe Daly dropping down to the substitutes to facilitate his return. Eamon Breen has shrugged off the thigh strain which has troubled him in recent weeks and will line out alongside Flaherty in the half-back line.
The only change in attack sees Denis O'Dwyer coming in for the unfortunate John Cronin. The Waterville player suffered a recurrence of an old knee injury in the game with Tyrone and is not expected to play any further part in the league campaign.
If, as expected, the Central Council commute the sentences imposed on those players who played illegally in New York last November, then Dara O Se, Fergal O Se and Dara O Cinneide could well be added to the Kerry substitutes on Sunday, but the Cavan selectors will also be keeping a close eye on the Croke Park chambers this Saturday, as any softening of penalties could see Fintan Cahill and Bernard Morris become available.
Indeed, the Cavan selectors may be tempted to leave vacancies at full-forward, for Cahill, and in defence for Morris when they name their side after training tonight, in the hope that the duo will be able to play.
The league holders, Derry, meanwhile, have considerable problems in the run-up to their match with Donegal at Celtic Park. The McKeever brothers, Kieran and Emmet, are struggling to overcome ankle and rib injuries respectively and forward Ronan Rocks was also unable to train on Monday night, due to flu.
Their opponents, Donegal, may be more tempted than anyone to name the ubiquitous AN Other in various positions, given that Barry McGowan, Damien Diver, Manus Boyle, John Ban Gallagher, James Ruane and Gerry Kelly are all currently suspended for playing illegally in the United States. Donegal were hit harder than any other county by the affair and have suffered the consequences in the campaign.
