Higgins to take flight for Mayo

Dual star Keith Higgins is to help the Mayo hurlers kickstart their bid for Christy Ring Cup glory this weekend by flying home from a training camp in Portugal.

The Ballyhaunis clubman, who captained the county's Under-21 footballers to All-Ireland glory last month, has been in camp all week with the senior footballers in the Algarve.

But he will make himself available for the hurlers' Ring Cup opener against Carlow on Sunday (Dr. Cullen Park, throw-in 3.30pm), flying home on Friday night.

Higgins, 21, is expected to be named at full-forward for the Group 2A clash.

Mayo manager Frank Browne told the Mayo News: "Keith will be joining up with the rest of the squad the evening before the game and it will be great to have him in the side.

"He's such an important player for us."