Perfect fit as Ryan returns in coach/selector role with Kildare

Jason Ryan has admitted he missed being involved at inter-county level and his new role as coach/selector with Kildare is a perfect fit because it will not place the demands on his time that being manager of Wexford did.

After weeks of feverish speculation, Ryan was confirmed as Kieran McGeeney’s final selector on Saturday. The 36-year-old met with Kildare chairman John McMahon, McGeeney and selector Damien Hendy ahead of the Lilywhites’ first collective training session of the year.

Niall Carew and John Rafferty both stepped down since the All-Ireland quarter-final annihilation by Cork, with Carew’s departure – for Ryan’s native Waterford — coming as a surprise, given his significant role in the set-up.