McCarthy unavailable for Rules trip

Kerry full-back Michael McCarthy has pulled out of Ireland's provisional squad for the 2005 International Rules series, citing "personal reasons" for his decision.

Kilcummin clubman McCarthy, one of 10 Kerrymen included in the provisional squad, is the fifth player to step down from Pete McGrath's provisional squad in three days.

Dublin's Conal Keaney (ankle) and Armagh trio Steven McDonnell, Paul McGrane and Andy Mallon (personal reasons) all bowed out in recent days.

Two-time All-star McCarthy was also forced to withdraw from last year's International Rules panel before the Test series began. He was one of only two of the 2004 All-Ireland finalists, alongside Mayo midfielder Ronan McGarrity, to pull out.

Former Down boss McGrath said earlier this week that he was hopeful that he could count on 14 of last weekend's All-Ireland final players - seven from Tyrone and seven from Kerry - for next month's series Down Under.

The Irish squad will train in Ballymun tonight and a trial game against an under-23 Australian Rules selection has been arranged for Croke Park tomorrow morning.

The final 26-man squad will be confirmed on Monday.