Kerry a spent force? I don't think so
now and I'm of the opinion that he has the makings of a serious defender. He can play anywhere in the full back line and could put some of our seasoned campaigners under pressure for places.
Brian Mcguire has been on the panel for the past couple of years and could be slotted in at the half back line. It really is all about building up experience in these young lads and see how the bigger stage suits them. I'd be hopeful that all these lads are good enough given the opportunity and time to slot in to what has become a tight-knit team.
I understand Anthony Maher is doubtful for the first number of league matches due to injury. This will give Seamus Scanlon the chance to partner Bryan Sheehan in the middle of the park. Seamus had a stop-start year last season through injuries. It will be a big boost to have him back again, it's not that long ago (2009) that Seamus won an All-star.
David Moran's progress is, by all accounts, coming along very well. David was really unlucky last year as he was poised to break through into the starting fifteen. He has an incredible amount of ability and the experience he has built up already will allow him to slot in nicely. He really looked like he was going to be a key player last season so it's going to be a huge boost to have him back later in the League.
There are two names I want to highlight up front for us. Barry John Keane from Tralee has been hovering in and out of the team for the past number of years. It looks to me as though he hasn't been given any definitive role on the pitch. The league is a prime opportunity for him to make his mark. He's filling out in himself and has the ability to make it at the top level so I'm hopeful that this year he can stand up and be counted.
James O'donoghue is one of our star underage players and looks to be a ready made Kerry player. A small bit of strengthening up will do the Legion club man the world of good and he will certainly be knocking on the door.
The League campaign will provide us with the perfect opportunity to start on the road to redemption and finally lay the ghosts of the All-ireland defeat to bed. What better place that Croke Park, against the Dubs, to get the show on the road again.
Quality games will only aid on the road to recovering Sam and I'm particularly looking forward to travelling to Dublin on Saturday night for the big game.
