by Adam Moynihan

Star forward David Clifford and veteran midfielder David Moran have both been named in Kerry’s starting lineup for Sunday’s do-or-die All-Ireland quarter-final against Mayo.

Clifford missed the team’s last match, the Munster final against Limerick on May 28, due to a calf injury he sustained in the previous outing against Cork.

The Killarney Advertiser understands that the Fossa native could have played in that provincial decider but Jack O’Connor and his backroom team opted to keep him in reserve, anticipating that he wouldn’t be needed. That proved to be a wise decision as The Kingdom coasted to a 23-point victory in Killarney.

Nevertheless, Kerry football’s gossipmongers are never not at it and speculation about Clifford’s status has been rife this past week. O’Connor confirmed on Monday that Clifford should be okay, although the somewhat unconvincing nature of his response gave some fans further cause for concern.

However, as was reported in today’s Killarney Advertiser, the three-time All-Star is, indeed, available for selection and he is set to reclaim his No. 14 jersey for Sunday’s crunch game in Croke Park.

Meanwhile, David Moran makes his first start for Kerry this season after recovering from a groin injury that ruled him out for the entirety of the league. Jack Barry misses out on the panel entirely, as does half forward Adrian Spillane. Their absence is likely due to injury, although this has not been confirmed.

There is also a place in the starting lineup for Dara Moynihan. The Spa player missed the Munster Championship with a quad injury.

Paul Geaney retains his place at corner forward with Tony Brosnan and Killian Spillane dropping to the bench.

In other news, Kerry will wear their traditional green and gold home jersey against Mayo for the first time since 2011. Both teams have sported their away kits whenever they have met in recent seasons but this time they opted for a toss of a coin, which Kerry won. Mayo will wear their black away shirts.

KERRY TEAM TO FACE MAYO

1. Shane Ryan (Rathmore)

2. Graham O’Sullivan (Dromid Pearses)

3. Jason Foley (Ballydonoghue)

4. Tom O’Sullivan (Dingle)

5. Brian Ó Beaglaoich (An Ghaeltacht)

6. Tadhg Morley (Templenoe)

7. Gavin White (Dr Crokes)

8. David Moran (Kerins O'Rahillys)

9. Diarmuid O’Connor (Na Gaeil)

10. Dara Moynihan (Spa)

11. Seán O’Shea (Captain - Kenmare Shamrocks)

12. Stephen O’Brien (Kenmare Shamrocks)

13. Paudie Clifford (Fossa)

14. David Clifford (Fossa)

15. Paul Geaney (Dingle)

Subs: S Murphy, T Brosnan, K Spillane, P Murphy, M Burns, J O’Connor, J Savage, G Crowley, D Roche, J O'Shea, S Okunbor.