KERRY are expected to make a number of changes to the senior team as the management set about rebuilding the side ahead of the Kingdom's All-Ireland Round Two Qualifier against Longford on Saturday.

Seamus Scanlon looks certain to resume his midfield duties after a threemonth long lay-off due to an ankle injury, while Michael McCarthy – back after a two and a half year absence – is in strong contention for a starting place against Longford.

However, it is thought a couple of 'high-profile' players could be under threat of being dropped, with Diarmuid Murphy, Aidan O'Mahony and even Tommy Walsh possibly not making the starting team.

The absence of Paul Galvin (suspended) and Tadhg Kennelly (hand injury) forces the management to make at least two changes to the team that started against and lost to Cork in the provincial semi-final three weeks ago.

However, in an effort to revitalise a team that looked physically and mentally jaded against Cork last month, Jack O'Connor has all but promised some changes to the team, and he could be looking to produce a magical stroke like he did when the counties last met in 2006.

Kieran Donaghy was reinvented as a full forward when Kerry hosted Longford in the 2006 All-Ireland Qualifier in Killarney, and it would appear the management are considering the idea of playing Micheal Quirke at full forward on Saturday.

Donaghy resumed training with the squad last week, two weeks ahead of schedule following a foot injury, and could play some part, though he is not expected to start.

Darragh Ó Sé seems likely to start in midfield, while there could be a start for Tommy Griffin at full back, with Marc Ó Sé at centre back.

Sean O'Sullivan is also believed to be a strong contender for a place in the half forward line in the absence of Galvin and Kennelly, in what could be a major shake-up to the team as Kerry enter the knockout stage of the Championship.

- Paul Brennan