The International Rules series in Australia is helping Lee Keegan to get over the disappointment of Mayo's All-Ireland SFC semi-final replay defeat to Kerry.

The extra-time loss at the Gaelic Grounds was the culmination of a difficult six days for the Westport wing back, who was sent off in the drawn game, but was able to play in the replay after successfully appealing his straight red card.

"It was a tough week for me personally - I had to take a lot on the chin. I still think I was innocent and I proved that. It was a hard week and it was probably a lot worse, the way it finished. That's all I can say about that," he told reporters in Perth ahead of tomorrow's one-off Test match against the Aussies.

"We've been there or thereabouts for the last couple of years and this is something I can think we have great pride in doing. After the disappointments the last couple of years, it's great to have this kind of focus and mindset to go into something like this, a huge challenge.

"Last year's challenge didn't tell us too much but this year after the long year it's something to really look forward to and test our wits against top professionals."

Pearce Hanley of the Brisbane Lions is the only professional in the Irish squad, yet his fellow Mayo man doesn't feel inferior to him in any way.

"It's great to be playing with a man like him. He's giving us tips about the Australians and the game in general. I suppose as a professional we are looking up to him a small bit," he continued.

"You wouldn't notice any difference (between him and the rest of the squad physically). That's the way the game has gone. You look at the likes of Michael Murphy, Aidan Walsh... big, powerful men. We're at the same level as the Australians... elite level."

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