Mayo ace Diarmuid O'Connor in action against Kildare yesterday before cying off with a recurrence of a hamstring injury.

Diarmuid O'Connor a major doubt for Kerry showdown

by Aiden Henry

Mayo ace Diarmuid O'Connor is likely to be ruled out of next Sunday's Allianz National League final against Kerry at Croke Park (4 p.m.) due to injury.

He suffered a recurrence of a hamstring injury during yesterday's clash against Kildare in Carrick-on-Shannon.

The Ballintubber star was a late replacement for Knockmore's Aiden Orme in the starting 15.

He picked up his injury in the 33rd minute and was replaced by Kevin McLoughlin.

The hope among Mayo supporters in that O'Connor will have recovered his fitness in time to face Galway in the opening round of the Connacht SFC on April 24 in Castlebar.

A knee injury sustained by Brendan Harrison after five minutes against Kildare could result in him being ruled out for a prolonged period.

It was disheartening to see Harrison coming off as he had worked so hard over the past few years to come from injury.

The former All-Star corner back looked like he was back to his best, so it was especially unfortunate for him to pick up another injury.

On the positive side, talented defender Paddy Durcan is back in contention and may be ready to face Kerry in next Sunday's showdown following his injury lay-off.

His return to fitness was indicated in him being named as a substitute for yesterday's clash at Carrick-on-Shannon, but he did not play any part in the game.

Reports that Cillian O’Connor is flying in training is further welcome news.

However, it remains to be seen if he will be named in next weekend's squad.

Manager James Horan has a big panel of players now and won’t be stuck for choice when sitting down with his selectors to finalise his starting 15 for the league final.

The defensive starting six is likely to come from Lee Keegan, Padraig O’Hora, Paddy Durcan, Michael Plunkett, Oisin Mullin, Aidan O’Shea, Stephen Coen, Rory Brickenden and Eoghan McLaughlin.

Matthew Ruane and Jordan Flynn will be the midfield pairing, but up front it is more difficult to predict who will start.

Ryan O’Donoghue, Jason Doherty, Jack Carney and Kevin McLoughlin are poised to fill four of the six positions, although one can never be certain due to Horan's capacity for springing surprises in his selections.