There is still no room for Colm "Gooch" Cooper in the Kerry football team. Manager Eamonn Fitzmaurice has made one change from the team which beat Cork in the Munster final replay, with Stephen O'Brien starting in place of Johnny Buckley for Sunday's All-Ireland quarter-final against Kildare at Croke Park.
O’Brien actually came in late on in the Munster final replay, and picked up two yellow cards before the end, meaning he retired early. Still he gets the nod in the half-forward line in place of Johnny Buckley, who has been nursing an ankle injury, although he is still listed among the replacements.
As is Cooper, who was introduced on 45 minutes during the replay last Saturday week, setting up Paul Geaney’s goal which ultimately swung the game in Kerry’s favour.
Afterwards Cooper spoke about his desire to regain his starting place, although once again he must be content with a place on the bench. Paul Galvin is also among the replacements, having come on very late on against Cork in the replay.
So, Donnchadh Walsh and Bryan Sheehan complete the half forward line for the All-Ireland champions alongside O'Brien, with Geaney in the full forward line along with captain Kieran Donaghy and James O'Donoghue.
Kerry last played Kildare in round four of the qualifiers in 2002, at Semple Stadium – Kerry winning 2-10 to 1-5 – when the late Paidí Ó Sé was still in charge. Marc Ó Sé played corner back that day in his debut season, while Fitzmaurice was still in his playing prime at centre back.
Galway manager Kevin Walsh has made one change for their round four qualifier against Donegal on Saturday evening, with Adrian Varley named at right corner forward in place of Peadar Óg Ó Griofa.
KERRY (SFC v Kildare, Croke Park, Sunday, 2pm): Brendan Kealy; Marc Ó Sé, Aidan O'Mahony, Shane Enright; Jonathan Lyne, Killian Young, Paul Murphy; Anthony Maher, David Moran; Stephen O'Brien, Bryan Sheehan, Donnchadh Walsh; Paul Geaney, Kieran Donaghy (capt), James O'Donoghue.
Subs: Brian Kelly, Colm Cooper, Johnny Buckley, Barry John Keane, Michael Geaney, Peter Crowley, Fionn Fitzgerald, Paul Galvin, Darran O'Sullivan, Tommy Walsh, Jack Sherwood.
GALWAY (SF v Donegal): B O'Donoghue; J Duane, F Hanley, C Sweeney; L Silke, G O'Donnell, G Bradshaw; F O Curraoin, T Flynn; G Sice, P Conroy, M Lundy; A Varley, D Comer, D Cummins.
TYRONE (SF v Sligo): N Morgan; A McCrory, R McNamee, R Brennan; R McNabb, Joe McMahon, P Harte; Colm Cavanagh, M Donnelly; T McCann, M Bradley, C Meyler; D McCurry, Sean Cavanagh, C McAliskey.
