Little-known Moyvane forward Paddy Curtin is in line to start Kerry's mouth-watering NFL opener against Dublin at Croke Park on Saturday night.

Curtin has reportedly been in flying form in training and could start in the full forward line in the absence of team captain Colm Cooper, who is tied up with his club Dr Crokes for the time being. It's likely that he would have made his debut before now had he had not ruptured his cruciate ligament playing for the Kerry minors against Cork in 2007, while he has suffered further knee complications since representing the Kingdom at U21 level in 2010.

Another newcomer, Legion's James O'Donoghue, is also pushing hard for a starting place in an attack which is set to be without Donncha Walsh for the first few rounds of the NFL. The wing forward from Cromane is troubled by a hip/groin problem which may necessitate surgery.

Kerry boss Jack O'Connor will name his team after training tomorrow night. Tweet

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