DOWN v KERRY, Croke Park, 2.15

THIS always has the air of an attractive match. The teams played a fine encounter at this stage four years ago with Kerry winning out in extra time. In the search for portents, Kerry's team looks more reliable with little enough change expected - short of radical shifts in form - between now and the summer.

Down, however, are another matter. The recall last week of three All Ireland medallists, James McCartan, Peter Withnell and Greg Blaney, wasn't altogether expected in that Blaney was assumed to have retired. His return is welcome but to what extent it reflects his enduring capacity rather than the paucity of talent in the county remains to be seen.

Since 1991 with few exceptions and certainly since 1994, Down's All Ireland wins haven't helped unearth emerging talent and so the old reliables are going to have to provide much of the inspiration again.

The fact that the three prodigal son the bench are forwards is an indication that the team feel better served in attack than in defence. Consequently the return of Ross Carr to wing back where he played earlier in his career is explicable but may be more to the detriment of the attack than the team can comfortably bear.

Kerry may have their personnel nearly right but strategically critical positions aren't necessarily filled. Liam Flaherty's progress at centre back will be under close scrutiny.