McCarthy back from the brink

Defender Mike McCarthy is set to make his first Championship start in almost three years, after Kerry manager Jack O'Connor named him at centre-back for Saturday's All-Ireland SFC third round qualifier against Sligo at Austin Stack Park (throw-in 5pm).

Kilcummin clubman McCarthy, a three-time All-Star winner, last lined out for Kerry in Championship football in the All-Ireland final victory over Mayo in 2006.