Dermot Earley says he is not taking a starting place for granted when he eventually makes his on-field return for the Kildare footballers later this year.

Following on from the retirements of John Miskella and Anthony Lynch, Cork football manager Conor Counihan has suffered another pre-season setback.

Colm Cooper will be absent for most of Kerry’s 2012 Allianz Football League campaign after going under the knife to clear a long-standing ankle problem.

COLM Cooper will be absent for most of Kerry’s 2012 Allianz Football League campaign after going under the knife to clear a long-standing ankle problem.