Lee Keegan weighs in on potential trio of Mayo changes for Monaghan tie

Lee Keegan has weighed in on some potential changes to the Mayo starting side ahead of the upcoming All-Ireland Championship game against Monaghan.

The Green and Red make their way to Saint Tiernach’s Park on the back of a sobering Connacht semi-final loss at the hands of Roscommon, with a series of question marks lingering over the side.

In the five weeks which have elapsed since, many have asked questions over the tactics and personnel that could be deployed in Clones on Sunday by Andy Moran.

One of those who has waded into the debate is Keegan. The Westport wizard’s quality on the turf is nigh-on unmatched, with a quintet of All-Stars across his 13 seasons in the famed jersey.

Now, in his RTÉ Column, the icon from his playing days has offered his two cents on who will start in goal, in the full-back line, and in the forward division.

“Mayo need to atone after all the heat they took down here,” the seven-time Connacht champion surmised. “Rob Hennelly has been a great servant, though I wouldn't be surprised to see Jack Livingstone start in goal this weekend.

“There was some bemusement at how Darragh Beirne didn't get a look-in against Roscommon, given how he performed in the league. I think he should come in. And David McBrien needs to return to full-back.”

Keegan also gave his thoughts on the subsequent backlash from the last day out in MacHale Park.

“The backlash was fairly intense after that performance, and the inquest was unsparing,” he penned.

“It's all been very tight-lipped down here. Even the county players at Westport are keeping out of my way so they don't have to talk to me until the Monaghan game is over.”

“I expect a strong response to the embarrassment of last month. They can hardly play as bad as they did in the Connacht semi-final. I'd be fairly confident they'll get the win in Clones, their second of the year.”