Crowley poised to return for Kerry

JOHN CROWLEY is poised for a return to the Kerry starting line-up for Sunday’s All-Ireland football final against Mayo.

The Glenflesk attacker has hit a rich vein of form after a patchy season and has impressed selectors sufficiently to put him in serious contention for a corner-forward position.

Mike Frank Russell could be the player to lose out when the Kingdom announce their side this evening.

Crowley hasn’t started a Championship game since the Munster semi-final defeat of Cork in June but has shown a return to form since the semi-final victory over Derry.

Ironically Russell was dropped for that game but scored two points when introduced in the second-half.

Eoin Brosnan is expected to partner William Kirby at midfield in the absence of the injured Darragh Ó Sé. Seamus Moynihan will be named among the substitutes.

Mayo boss John Maughan will also name his starting 15 tonight, with an unusual amount of speculation surrounding the team.

Ballinrobe’s Fergal Costello has made a strong case for inclusion in the defence, and could see Pat Kelly dropping back to corner-back, with Conor Moran (Burrishoole) losing out.

Gary Ruane may be assigned the task of marking Kerry dangerman Colm Cooper, but the key decision for the Mayo selectors is the partner for Ronan McGarrity at midfield - Ballyhaunis’ Fergal Kelly or David Brady.

Kerry have won the right to wear their traditional green and gold in Sunday’s decider with Mayo donning the changed red shirt with a green band.

Kerry will be attempting to win the All-Ireland SFC title for the 33rd time and the first since 2000 when they beat Galway. Mayo are seeking their fourth title and their first since 1951.

They last appeared in the final in 1997 when they lost to Kerry.

This will be only the third All-Ireland SFC final between the counties. Their first clash was in 1932 when Kerry won by 2-7 to 2-4 and they repeated the success in 1997, winning by 0-13 to 1-7.