Stephen O’Brien ensuring he’s no longer Kerry's odd man out

The mathematics of championship selection is pretty elementary. Eight into six doesn’t go. Nor does nine. So which of the Kerry forwards is dodging awkward conversation with Éamonn Fitzmaurice before the Munster football final on July 3?

James O’Donoghue and Johnny Buckley will be looking for starts though the provincial decider might come a little early for the latter. Kieran Donaghy might be auditioning for a gig in the front line too with All-Star midfielder Anthony Maher back to fitness and David Moran stewing after being dropped for Sunday’s 2-23 to 0-17 semi-final victory over Clare.

Fitzmaurice likes the security of Paul Murphy as a defensive wing forward. Paul Geaney does what forwards should do: Score. Darran O’Sullivan has what he needs: Consistent game time. So you’re going to leave out the security of Donnchadh Walsh or the sorcery of Colm Cooper?