McGrath bides time with Rules squad

Ireland manager Pete McGrath is set to wait until after the All-Ireland final on Sunday week to confirm his final International Rules squad.

The former Down boss, who is currently knuckling down with training sessions for the majority of his 43-man provisional panel, is likely to reveal his hand after the Kerry v Tyrone clash.

It makes sense given the fact that 17 players, who are almost shoo-ins for duty Down Under next month against Australia, are taking part in the Croke Park final with ten from reigning champions Kerry.

Although he is likely to draw mostly on the All-Ireland finalists, McGrath told the Belfast Telegraph: "We have some decisions to make. Obviously as All Ireland finalists Kerry and Tyrone have enjoyed a high profile lately and their players have been seen in action on the big stage.

"But we are keeping our options open in certain respects and the door is open for other players to make the touring party."

McGrath's first visit to Australia as team manager will see the Irish play Test matches on October 21 (Perth) and October 28 (Melbourne).

He added: "Even though the Aussie players are professional, we feel confident we will be able to match them in the physical fitness stakes. The way the leading counties prepare now is very professional in virtually every respect and I think we will see the fruits of this in Australia."

Already, Tadhg Kennelly, one of Ireland's pivotal players in the series, has made his mark in this season's Aussie Rules Premiership.

The former Kerry footballer, who joined the Sydney Swans as an 18-year-old in 1999, has been one of the stars of Sydney's run through to Friday night's AFL Preliminary final against St Kilda.

Some outstanding performances have put the talented half-back just one game away from the Grand final. Kennelly has played more minutes than any Swan in 2005 - averaging 119 minutes a game - as well as boasting the best "kicking to his team's advantage" stats.