Kerry v Mayo

THE Mayo team selection conversation says a lot about the course this semi-final is expected to take. The grand unveiling of just who has drawn the short straw to shackle Kieran Donaghy to earth revealed Donal Vaughan (below) as the makeshift No 3. That he doesn’t have a body of work to prop up his selection exposes a long time failing of conceding goals in big matches at vital stages. Still, needs must and Vaughan looks a smart move and the most logical of the varied suggestions as how best to stop Kerry. Expect Paul Geaney and James O’Donoghue to shift the focus. Where Mayo will look to attack Kerry is via a rampaging half-back line and the fleet footed talent of their returned Footballer of the Year Lee Keegan. Kerry do look vulnerable on the back foot. A frantic, mile-a-minute game might be in Mayo’s best interests where they attack in waves and build off that vital middle eight combination. Mayo’s courage under fire isn’t in question, it’s whether they have the ruthless goal edge required to take their serial conquerors out that is in doubt.