Pressure’s not bother to Eamonn

EAMONN FITZMAURICE claims he’s not feeling the pressure from within Kerry as his side prepare for a must-win home Super Eights clash with Kildare.

After losing to Galway in the opening game of the series, the Kingdom needed David Clifford’s late goal to secure a draw in Monaghan that kept their hopes of reaching the All-ireland semi-finals alive.

Victory in Killarney next Saturday is vital – but still wouldn’t be enough if Monaghan can take at least a draw away to Galway.

But Fitzmaurice says he’s not feeling the heat that’s been building in the county.

“I don’t, I don’t,” he stressed. “I’m sure the chat is going on, that goes with the job. I know that. I haven’t heard. I’m sure there’s plenty going on.

“But for us, we’re just keeping the head down.

“I’m sure there’s plenty there but a couple of wins always sorts that out.”

“The fact that there’s so much at stake and it’s a new young Kerry team coming to the fore, you’d expect a big support there. We’re always claiming we’re a football-mad county – you’d like to see everyone come and show that.”

Fitzmaurice is hopeful that a number of key defenders will return.

He was forced to name a new full-back line against Monaghan as Jason Foley retired hurt, Killian Young was red carded a week before against Galway and Tadgh Morley (hamstring) was a late withdrawal.

The Kerry boss said: “We’re hoping everyone will be (available). Jason and Tadhg are making strides. We won’t know until the middle of next week.

“Killian will be back from suspension. Shane Enright is back, Daithí (Casey) is back. At the moment we’re in a good place.”