Micheál Burns leaves Kerry squad as manager Jack O'Connor admits these are 'tricky issues'

'It is tough going, especially in a county like Kerry where there is huge pressure and it’s a big commitment. And their whole lives are on hold. Believe me, it is a very tricky situation'

TOUGH CONVERSATION: Kerry's Micheál Burns has left the inter-county squad, manager Jack O'Connor has confirmed. Pic: Piaras Ó Mídheach/Sportsfile

ALL-Ireland winning attacker Micheál Burns has left the Kerry football panel of his own accord, manager Jack O’Connor confirmed Monday.

The Dr Crokes utility forward featured in the last two All-Ireland finals with the Kingdom, and his involvement with Kerry goes back a decade when he starred for the county’s minors in their 2014 All-Ireland victory over Donegal. That team also featured Shane Ryan, Brian Ó Beaglaioch, Tom O'Sullivan, Barry O'Sullivan, Mark O'Connor and Killian Spillane. Jack O’Connor was in charge then too.