McGrath defends Gooch omission

Ireland International Rules manager Pete McGrath has defended his decision to leave Kerry ace Colm Cooper out of his 26-man squad for next weekend's clash against Australia at Croke Park.

McGrath insisted Cooper, who is one of the favourites for the Footballer of the Year award, was left out because he was "too tired".

Cooper attended a trial match but McGrath said: "Colm looked tired and simply did not play very well."

Cooper had spoken last week of his joy if he got the chance to play for his country but he said yesterday: "I was not selected and that is it."