Kieran McGeeney is targeting a March return for injured Kildare midfielders Dermot Earley and Hugh Lynch.

Both players, who are recovering from cruciate ligament injuries, were seen partaking in the warm-up before the Lilywhites' O'Byrne Cup semi-final victory over Dublin in Newbridge yesterday.

"They are going well at the minute, probably the best-case scenario is around March some time," the Kildare manager said.

When asked about the ongoing speculation surrounding Cavan forward Seanie Johnston's proposed transfer to Celbridge and Kildare, McGeeney replied: "Every player that turns up to training and plays well gets on. If he is good enough, then you need him. If he doesn't, then you don't need him and somebody else takes that position."

McGeeney dismissed suggestions that he took added satisfaction from beating the All-Ireland champions.

"It seemed to be more important for youse than it was for me. For the players at this time of the year the big thing is to stake a claim to a place against Tyrone (for the first round of the NFL) and try to keep it." Tweet

Most Read Stories