Mayo come into Sunday's Connacht final without both their goalkeepers, forcing Rob Hennelly's recall to the panel and insertion straight into James Horan's starting line-up to face London.

David Clarke (hamstring) and Kenneth O'Malley (ankle) have been ruled out.

Horan is also unable to use three of the best forwards in the county – Andy Moran, Cillian O'Connor and Mickey Conroy – as they are not yet match fit. Fears about Donal Vaughan (hamstring), Keith Higgins and Barry Moran have been allayed, although the latter starts on the bench as the O'Shea brothers partner up in midfield.

All told, it prompted former Mayo star and Sunday Game analyst Kevin McStay to adopt a cautious tone ahead of the unique meeting at McHale Park. "Cillian O'Connor is in rehab or recovering, might be on the bench, I don't know, that's his second shoulder problem in 12 months," he said. "Andy is coming back from a cruciate, he's got 10 minutes here, five minutes here, and Mickey Conroy is I think shoulder as well.

“They’re our three best forwards in terms of scoring returns. Even if they become available . .. their first big match if they’re in good shape would be the quarter-finals.”