Training may include finalists

Ireland manager Brian McEniff will announce his final panel for the International Rules series in two weeks time. He is hopeful that the managers of both Galway and whoever wins this Saturday's All-Ireland semi-final will release players for his final schedule of training before the tests against Australia.

"I'm hopeful John O'Mahony can be persuaded to release them," he said of the Galway players.

McEniff's preliminary panel is continuing its weekly build-up, but he had hoped to be able to take onboard the defeated All-Ireland semi-finalists before now. Instead he must wait until Saturday to see whether Kerry or Armagh will check out of the semi-final replay.

Already a number of Kildare players - Glen Ryan, Dermot Earley and newcomer Anthony Rainbow - have been drafted in. Some players on the Ireland manager's shopping list are unavailable with Jarlath Fallon and Ciaran O'Sullivan of last year's panel injured, whereas Meath duo Ollie Murphy and Graham Geraghty are currently in the USA, although Geraghty may return this weekend.

Kildare's Niall Buckley, who toured last year, is also in America, but is not expected back.

Others who were previously involved, but haven't made the cut for one reason or another are: James Horan (Mayo), Derry Foley (Tipperary), John Quane (Limerick) plus of course the players from Galway, Kerry and Armagh who have yet to be called up.

The Irish referee for the series will be Pat McEnaney, the experienced Monaghan official who took charge of the 1996 All-Ireland final.

The matches will take place on October 8th and 15th and will be televised live in both Ireland and Australia. The matches will be staged on double bills with the shinty-hurling international between Ireland and Scotland.

Australia have also issued their panel and it shows 12 changes from last year's selection which lost the series at home 1-0 with the second match drawn.

Amongst those missing is Shane Crawford, vice-captain in the last series. Back in the fold is Wayne Carey, captain two years ago and who missed last autumn's series in Australia because of injury.

The panel is picked on the basis of the All-Australian team - the AFL's equivalent of the All Stars - and topped up with other players considered suited to the International Rules game.

This process is slightly controversial as it is seen as diminishing Australian commitment to the series, placing it on the level of a reward for past achievement rather than a concerted attempt to field their best International Rules team.

In Australia, the system is defended and both players and management express themselves happy to maintain the series as a bonus for those who had successful domestic seasons.

That reservation aside, it is a formidable outfit particularly with Carey back on board. Nathan Buckley - the outstanding Australian exponent of the international game - reverts to the vice-captaincy after leading his country last year in Carey's absence.

The All-Australian awards feature recognition for new players, including one familiar face on the international scene. Scott Camporeale, a lively forward in the two series since the game was resumed two years ago, has gained his first award after a fine season with Carlton.

"It is a golden opportunity that every player should experience at least once if they get the chance," was his response to the now guaranteed prospect of facing Ireland this autumn.

Tickets will be available from the GAA's official website, www.gaa.ie, and at Ticketmaster outlets.