Mayo keep Padden at centre back

Billy Joe Padden, more recognised as a half-forward, will continue his deployment at the heart of Mayo's defence in Sunday's NFL Division 1A meeting with Kerry.

The Belmullet clubman, who began his inter-county career as a midfielder, will start this weekend's clash at centre back, filling the role he took on against Roscommon recently in the FBD League.

In the absence of James Nallen, the 25-year-old Padden impressed in the number 6 shirt and his sheer industry and physicality could see him make the position his own.

For the visit of the All-Ireland champions, new Mayo boss John O'Mahony has made a massive ten changes to the side that saw off NUI Galway - 2-14 to 1-9 - in their last FBD League game.

Goalkeeper David Clarke, defenders Padden and Liam O'Malley and forwards Trevor Mortimer and Austin O'Malley are the only players to survive from that Ballinrobe outing.

Ronan McGarrity, who missed the Roscommon and NUI Galway ties due to an Achilles tendon injury, is back to man his regular midfield spot. Keith Higgins has shaken off a groin injury to start at left corner back, while wing forward Pat Harte is also returning from a spell on the sidelines.

Despite scoring 1-2 against NUI Galway, Marty McNicholas has lost his place at right corner forward to Conor Mortimer, whose brother Trevor is retained at centre forward. Ciaran McDonald is ruled out with a back injury.

O'Mahony's starting XV includes ten players who started last September's All-Ireland final which saw Mayo fall to a 4-15 to 3-5 defeat at the hands of Kerry.

Confirming his decision to appoint veteran forward Kevin O'Neill as his team captain, O'Mahony said: "We felt that it was the best decision in the context of where Mayo are right now. Kevin had a brilliant year last year, the younger lads need a leader, and Kevin is an outstanding leader.

"The same applies to Peadar (Gardiner) as vice-captain. They fit perfectly into the roles of pulling the young guys along."

The 33-year-old O'Neill, who will continue to play his club football for Dublin side Na Fianna, was informed of O'Mahony's decision at a challenge match, which saw Mayo beat Louth, last Sunday.

MAYO (NFL v Kerry) - D Clarke; D Heaney, L O'Malley, K Higgins; A Moran, BJ Padden, P Gardiner; D Brady, R McGarrity; P Harte, T Mortimer, A Dillon; C Mortimer, A O'Malley, K O'Neill (capt).