Kerry boss Eamonn Fitzmaurice has laid his cards on the table.
Last weekend’s disappointing loss to Galway has plunged Kerry into must-win territory in the Super 8s.
The Kingdom flattered to deceive at a rain-soaked Croke Park, last Sunday, and were well beaten by Kerry. Monaghan are up next and their win over Kildare, and having home advantage at Clones, have placed Kerry as underdogs for the clash.
The fact that the men in the green and gold were so easily out-muscled against Galway prompted many to call on Fitzmaurice to recall Kerry veteran Kieran Donaghy.
James O’Donoghue had a poor game against the Connacht champions but Tomas O Sé had actually called on Donaghy to be recalled in midfield. Some GAA fans believe the Munster champs were outdone by the sheer physicality and game management of a Galway side that continue to take scalps.
‘Star’ has had to settle for a support role all championship and his physical presence, and attacking skills, would have given Monaghan something to think about. As it stands, though, the Kerry boss is sticking with the same midfield and forward lines.
There are three personnel changes in the Kerry defence, with Ronan Shanahan and Tom O’Sullivan coming into the full-back line along with Mark Griffin. Brian Ó Beaglaoich drops to the bench, as does Jason Foley.
Tadhg Morley is out of the half-back line, with Peter Crowley getting moved up the pitch.
KERRY
1. Shane Murphy (C ) – Dr Crokes
2. Ronan Shanahan – Austin Stacks
3. Mark Griffin – St Michaels
4. Tom O’Sullivan – Dingle5. Paul Murphy – Rathmore
6. Peter Crowley – Laune Rangers
7. Gavin White – Dr Crokes8. David Moran – Kerins O’Rahillys
9. Jack Barry – Na Gaeil10. Kevin McCarthy – Kilcummin
11. Seán O’Shea – Kenmare
12. Stephen O’Brien – Kenmare13. David Clifford – Fossa
14. Paul Geaney – Dingle
15. James O’Donoghue – Killarney Legion
So Donaghy and Darran O’Sullivan must settle for spots on the bench, as do Morley, Micheal Burns and Anthony Maher.
These are the men who will give everything for us in Clones. Best of luck to you all. Calling on the Kerry fans to be loud and proud of the Green & Gold on Sunday #WeAreKerry #Back2Gold #CiarraíAbú 💚💛 pic.twitter.com/R5Sx1yyrN2
— Kerry GAA (@Kerry_Official) July 20, 2018
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