Kerry to ring changes as McCarthy set for return to action

MIKE McCARTHY could be handed a starting role at centre back in Kerry’s second round football championship qualifier in Longford on Saturday.

The return of the 31-year-old Kilcummin man to Kingdom colours for the first time since 2006 could be confirmed tomorrow, but not in the full back position where he won his last All-Ireland with the county in ‘06.

Kerry coach Jack O’Connor has been employing McCarthy as a No 6 since his return to training and his selection there for the Longford game could trigger a shake-up in the defence, with a number of high-profile casualties on the cards.