Horan selects unchanged Mayo team

Mayo have announced an unchanged team for their All-Ireland SFC semi-final showdown with Tyrone at Croke Park on Sunday afternoon (throw-in 3.30pm).

The Connacht champions' manager James Horan saw no reason to tinker with a winning side, keeping faith with the 15 players who took to the field for their 16-point quarter-final crushing of Sam Maguire Cup holders Donegal.

Regular defender Keith Higgins, who was shifted to centre forward against Donegal, looks poised for a role in attack again as he will wear the number 11 jersey this weekend.

Tom Cunniffe has been nursing a hamstring strain since the Donegal game but he is set to resume at right corner back, having come through an A versus B training match between the Mayo squad.

There is much interest in how brothers Aidan and Seamus O'Shea fare in their midfield battle with Tyrone's own sibling duo of Colm and Sean Cavanagh. Aidan has been a real powerhouse for the westerners this summer, and another strong display could edge him closer to the Footballer of the Year award.

A second successive All-Ireland final appearance is the prize on offer on Sunday and Horan believes his charges have the ability - and versatility - to cope with whatever Tyrone can throw at them.

"We know what to expect from Tyrone. They will try to set the tempo and impose their experience from the outset. They will press us in all areas of the pitch and are very effective in what they do," said the Mayo supremo.

"Tyrone have a serious mentality. They have experienced tough times and the suspension of key players will galvanise them. Their manager (Mickey Harte) will do everything in his power to ensure his side wins.

"We will have to make some adjustments. But, from our perspective, the game is all about being as good as we can be.

"We may have an orthodox formation and a standard structure, but we can change things around when we need to. My players are versatile and they can comfortably play in different positions. I believe we are unique in that regard."

MAYO (SFC v Tyrone): Rob Hennelly; Tom Cunniffe, Ger Cafferkey, Chris Barrett; Lee Keegan, Donal Vaughan, Colm Boyle; Aidan O'Shea, Seamus O'Shea; Kevin McLoughlin, Keith Higgins, Alan Dillon; Cillian O'Connor, Alan Freeman, Andy Moran (capt).