Horan set to finalise his squad over the next 24 hours

MAYO manager James Horan is set to finalise his 35-strong squad for the 2019 championship over the next 24 hours, The Connaught Telegraph has learned.

An announcement is expected to be made on Wednesday.

So far six players have been informed they are not on the panel - Jason Gibbons, Conor O'Shea, Colm Moran, Cathal Horan, James Kelly and Ryan O'Donoghue.

Another squad member, Ballina Stephenites midfielder Mikey Murray, has been fighting a battle against a minor hamstring injury to help ensure his selection.

Murray, who did not feature during the National League campaign, was outstanding for his club in the recent Mayo SFC clash against Castlebar Mitchels.

Mayo's campaign gets underway in New York on May 5 and expectations have grown since the memorable National League final triumph over Kerry a number of weeks ago.