Liston: Kerry stars won’t boycott series

IRISH International Rules selector Eoin ‘Bomber’ Liston has rubbished speculation that Kerry players are set to boycott this autumn’s series against Australia.

There were claims that Kingdom stars would make themselves unavailable for the competition after the forthright views expressed by International Rules boss and Sunday Game analyst, Anthony Tohill, which were perceived to have influenced the two-month suspension Paul Galvin received after the Munster SFC semi-final replay against Cork.

Footballer of the Year Galvin was slapped with a ban by the Central Competitions Control Committee (CCCC) after an incident involving Eoin Cadogan in that Páirc Uí Chaoimh clash. He missed the Munster final victory over Limerick and will also sit out next month’s All-Ireland quarter-final.

Tohill’s hard hitting comments on the matter were not well received in Kerry leading to fears that the camp would withdraw their services en masse from the national set-up against the Aussies. However Liston insists that will not be the case.

“There are no worries there. There’s no truth in that at all and that was only speculation.

“I meet them on a daily basis and I know there’s a few of them bursting for it.”

Liston revealed that the Irish management team are continuing to attend all inter-county championship football games to monitor form before finalising their squad.

The Kerry legend was present in Tullamore on Saturday for the All-Ireland Qualifier between Offaly and Down and was in Castlebar on Sunday for the Connacht SFC decider.

The International Rules has featured several players from weaker counties coming to the fore in recent years and Liston admitted the management are hoping for such players to make a case for inclusion this year. “You’re always looking for that and hoping you’ll unearth another gem. You’d have to say that Leighton Glynn was superb on the last occasion in Australia. Noel Roche, Kevin O’Brien and John Quane other players if you go back far enough. This is a different game.

“This isn’t gaelic football we’re playing them in, there are other skills that are needed for this. We are looking for a player that has fabulous agility and fabulous ball-winning, great peripheral vision, great composure, even with the fear of being tackled hard. We want guys who are committed to playing this series and give their best for their country.”