Karl O'Dwyer returns to the Kildare line-up for Sunday's Leinster final. It was anticipated that the former All Star would be passed fit for a repeat of the 2000 showdown against Dublin.

He resumes his customary position at centre forward, with John Doyle moving to left corner forward. Padraic Brennan, who started the semi-final replay against Offaly and was substituted in the second half, does not figure.

There is also one defensive change, with Tom Harris, who featured prominently in Kildare's uneven league season, replaced by the experienced Kenny Duane.

Overall, it represents a vastly-changed championship team, with a number of the core players that starred throughout the O'Dwyer renaissance of the last five years absent. Only Anthony Rainbow remains of the half-back trinity he formed with John Finn and Glen Ryan, a line that regularly dominated games when Kildare was in the ascendant in 1998. With Enda Murphy now keeping goal instead of Christy Byrne, the heart of the defence is substantially changed. However, Brian Lacey and Ken Doyle will provide some experience cover for full back Pat Mullarky, as he faces what may be a key tussle against Ray Cosgrove, who stole two goals off Darren Fay three weeks ago. Mullarky was replaced by Ronan Quinn in the Offaly replay, but the selectors have retained him for this match.

The return of O'Dwyer is critical to Kildare. A good distance kicker, he also serves as the fulcrum of the attack with a bit of heft. With Dublin forced to improvise due to the injury to centre back Jonny McGee, it is an area Kildare will look to exploit. Peadar Andrews is a proven wing back but is certain to be tested by O'Dwyer's experience when he lines out at centre back on Sunday.

Kildare look uneven on the flanks, with Ronan Sweeney and Ken Doyle offering strength and durability on the left while Eddie McCormack and Tadgh Fennin are smaller, faster options on the right. McCormack has recovered well from a National League campaign when he appeared out of shape. He has impressed in Kildare's championship run.

The mercurial Martin Lynch will again play deep at full forward. It is a ploy that is working well for Kildare, with Lynch less fleet-footed than in his prime, but still able to cause problems for defenders. Again, his match-up with Paddy Christie will be a big factor in the outcome of the game.

No substitutes have been named as yet, but it is expected that Glen Ryan will feature at some stage. Ronan Quinn again provides defensive cover, while Brennan may be suited to the wider environs of Croke Park if he gets a run.

The nature of the team illustrates Mick O'Dwyer's ability to adapt and the fact that he isn't afraid of change. If it is indeed his last year with the Lilywhites, as he insists is the case, then he has already initiated the transitional period and will leave a side that can continually challenge at the right end of the season.

KILDARE (SF v Dublin) - E Murphy; B Lacey, P Mullarky; K Doyle; K Duane, D Hendy, A Rainbow; K Brennan, D Earley; E McCormack, K O'Dwyer, R Sweeney; T Fennin, M Lynch, J Doyle.