Speculation has been mounting in Mayo that Ciaran McDonald could make his long-awaited return to John O'Mahony's side in time for their Connacht SFC opener against Galway this weekend.
McDonald has been sidelined for Mayo with a back injury since making his last county appearance in last year's All-Ireland final defeat against Kerry.
The Crossmolina club man has been back training with the sqaud in recent weeks, fuelling specualtion that he may start from the bench against the Tribesmen this weekend.
"He only returned to training with us in the last week or fortnight so he has a lot of work to do to get his fitness back," said Mayo selector Tommy Lyons. "We'll only know if his back is up to it once he plays."
Elsewhere Kildare show a familiar look to their defence ahead of Sunday's Leinster SFC clash against Meath at Croke Park. The back six, which served them so well in the league, remains the same and that means a debut for Emmett Bolton at left half back.
Ross Glavin returns after a two-year absence to partner club mate Kevin O'Neill in the middle of the park and captain John Doyle starts at full forward with Padraig O'Neill moving out to the forty. Mikey Conway, another debutant, will start at left corner forward.