Minor setback means Gooch is still not ready

Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has scotched rumours that Colm Cooper has suffered a serious setback but has admitted that a hiccup in his recovery has delayed his comeback

Cliona Foley

Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has scotched rumours that Colm Cooper has suffered a serious setback but has admitted that a hiccup in his recovery has delayed his comeback.

The Killarney ace, who missed last year's All-Ireland victory due to a torn cruciate, was expected to be back in action this month and said as much himself some time ago.

His continued absence, plus the left-field return of Paul Galvin, had added to speculation that the Gooch had a setback. Fitzmaurice admitted last night that his recovery has not gone exactly to schedule.

"In an ideal world we'd like to see Colm back before the end of the league but we just have to wait until he's ready and he's not ready at the moment," he said.

"The idea of holding back on his return is that he will be perfect. He will be back, that is certain."

Cian O'Sullivan has been selected at centre-back for Dublin footballers' trip to Mayo. Philly McMahon moves to the wing and Nicky Devereux loses out in the only change from their draw with Tyrone.

Elsewhere, Nicky O'Connell and Davy O'Halloran have left the Clare hurling panel, after being sidelined for a breach of discipline before the Banner's opening league game.

Kilkenny's hurlers have made three changes for their league clash with Tipperary (who are themselves unchanged) but injury-doubt Richie Hogan is okay to start.

Jackie Tyrrell replaces Michael Walsh, Brian Kennedy is in for Padraig Walsh (injured).

Ger Aylward returns at corner-forward and Mark Kelly moves to midfield.

Donegal (SF v Kerry) - P Durcan; P McGrath, N McGee, E McGee; F McGlynn, K Lacey, Mark McHugh; N Gallagher, C Toye; M Reilly, O MacNiallais, R McHugh; P McBrearty, M Murphy, H McFadden.

Kilkenny (SH v Tipperary) - E Murphy; S Prendergast, P Murphy, J Tyrrell; B Kennedy, K Joyce, C Buckley; M Kelly, L Ryan; W Walsh, R Hogan, M Ruth; JJ Farrell, J Power, G Aylward.

Tipperary (SH) - D Gleeson; C Barrett, C O'Mahony, C O'Brien; M Breen, P Maher, R Maher; K Bergin, J Woodlock; J O'Dwyer, B Maher, J Forde; N McGrath, S Callanan, J McGrath.