O'Dwyer sidelines son and recalls Ryan for Kerry clash

MICK O'DWYER has left his son Karl on the bench for Kildare's meeting with Kerry in Saturday's Bank of Ireland All-Ireland SFC qualifier at Semple Stadium, Thurles.

And he has dramatically re-called his former captain Glen Ryan at fullback in what he claims will be his last game in charge of Kildare should the Lily Whites wilt in what is expected to be a frenetic battle for supremacy.

The demotion of O’Dwyer and the selection of Ryan were the two biggest talking points in Kildare last night after the team was announced.

John Doyle, who started in the left corner forward position against Dublin in the Leinster final now moves to centre forward with Patrick Murray taking over the number 15 shirt.

Ryan takes over the fullback position from Padraigh Mullarkey and the game will mark his first competitive start since the first round of last season’s Leinster championship against Carlow when he damaged his ankle.

A former All-Star centre back, Ryan, who captained Kildare to two Leinster championship triumphs, has been plagued by injury during his outstanding career. On the eve of the All-Ireland final of 1998, when he was confidently expected to bring home the Sam Maguire Cup, at the expense of an emerging Galway side he pulled a hamstring while playing golf.

Kerry are not due to announce their team until tonight but the likelihood is that Aodan Mac Gearailt will be included in the starting line-up. He injured his hand and missed the qualifier with Fermanagh as a result. But now he is reported to be in fine form. Noel Kennelly, who is suffering from a stress fracture to his pubic bone is likely to be held in reserve.

Tipperary, who take on Mayo at Cusack Park, Ennis, in their All-Ireland qualifier, also on Saturday, will not select their side until shortly before the game. Tipperary trained on Tuesday night but because of the uncertainty surrounding the Munster Council deliberations vis-á-vis the Munster final substitute controversy, they delayed naming a team.

However, dual player Brendan Cummins, who damaged a stomach muscle in last Sunday’s provincial final, is expected to get the nod to start.

Team: Kildare (SF v Kerry): E Murphy; B Lacey, G Ryan, K Doyle; K Duane, D Hendy, A Rainbow; K Brennan, D Earley; E McCormack, J Doyle, R Sweeney; T Fennon, M Lynch, P Murray.