Clare manager Paul Madden and his selectors have finalised their side for the visit of All-Ireland champions Kerry to Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg this Saturday, with a number of notable changes and returns shaping the Banner line-up.
There is a switch between the posts for Clare, as Sigerson Cup winner Tristan O'Callaghan of St. Breckan’s is handed the starting jersey. However, Clare will have to plan without one of their key figures, with talisman Dermot Coughlan ruled out through injury and not included in the matchday squad.
Experience comes to the fore around the middle third, where former captain Cillian Brennan is named at centre field and is set to partner Cooraclare’s Brian McNamara in what promises to be a crucial battle.
Further forward, Ikem Ugwueru is listed among the attackers at eleven, a notable positional shift after featuring predominantly in defence throughout the league campaign, underlining the Éire Óg man’s versatility.
There is a timely boost for Clare supporters with the return of captain Cillian Rouine, who has been named at centre half-back following a hamstring injury that curtailed his involvement during the spring.
Meanwhile, Shannon Gaels’ Dara Bohannon is included among the substitutes, having recovered sufficiently after being forced off in Clare’s Round Three Allianz League victory away to Fermanagh.
Clare will be hoping this blend of experience and the attacking threats on show during the Allianz League can help them rise to the Kerry challenge on home soil.
