TWELVE months ago, Noel Connelly would have been at generous odds to lead a team around Croke Park on the third Sunday of September. Even allowing for Mayo's apparent status, was a player with little enough to his name.

Missed out by the minor selectors, he had played a bit of under 21 football and featured on the fringes of Jack O'Shea's senior panel three years ago. Other than that, it was his club performances with Hollymount as they won two county titles that spoke most eloquently on his behalf.

When John Maughan and selectors Peter Ford and Tommy O'Malley began their trawl last autumn, Connelly was worth a look but that was about it.

"We sat down picking a panel," says Maughan, "picked about 50 and Noel Connelly was certainly in the first 25, because on the number of occasions I would have played against Hollymount in the recent past he was one of the players who always stood out because of his total commitment.

"He came in on to the panel, a very, very fit fella. At the start of the season when everybody was struggling with their fitness, Noel was bouncing around the place in great shape.

"He was one of those ones who nearly slipped through the net. I can't understand it. It would have been a huge disaster if Noel Connelly had not played intercounty football because he's a terrific fella who would do anything for you."

As the National League campaign beckoned. Mayo were also looking for a new team captain. At first, Maughan and his selectors reckoned they would have to pass it around a bit in order to arrive at the best option. In this regard, as in others, Connelly surprised them.

"We sat down and analysed a few players who showed the necessary traits and obviously you don't want to pick a guy who won't make the team. It was early days for us and we didn't exactly know who was going to be there for us in the shake up at the end of the season. But Noel Connelly was one who we said yeah, this guy has it and he's going to be on our team' and we appointed him captain. Initially it was just to run with it and see how it goes but there'd be no question of moving him now.

"What you want is somebody who can lead by example, say the smart thing at the appropriate time and have the presence of mind to know when to say something and when not to. He leads by example and it's important for a captain to do that."

His prowess at wing back is built on his pace, tackling and reading of the game. Connelly isn't big enough to dominate an opponent physically but he has also yet to be dominated.

"He compensates the way Johnny McGurk (Derry) and these boys do," says Maughan. "He uses his body well and is very quick and can tackle. Because of his commitment, he'll stand his ground against anyone."

After the largely successful League season. Maughan experimented a bit for the opening championship match against London. Connelly was moved to wing forward but evidently disliked the experience. Capable of going forward from wing back, he still wouldn't regard it as his natural game.

"We tossed around and toyed with a few things because there were fellas that needed that little bit of a prod and we threw Noel up front that day. He's not comfortable in that environment - he likes to attack the ball and go forward - but we had to find out whether he was or wasn't and that was an opportunity to try it.

"He's happy at wing back. It's his natural position and I can't recall any match where he was uncomfortable there."

Accustomed to learning scripts from his hobby as an actor in local plays and musicals, Connelly won't tempt fate by scripting a few words for Sunday. And his manager will also arrange for him to say as little as possible beforehand.

"He's an emotional person and speaks from the heart," says Maughan. "When he opens his mouth, guys listen to him. On one or two occasions, I feel it might have impinged on his own performance, he might have got a bit emotional about the thing and that can sap a little bit of energy.

"It's something we've discussed and something we'll be conscious of - not to have him say too much because with the greatest will in the world, he likes talking and it might be better if he just says a little and leaves the rest to me and Peter and Tommy."

. Kerry make two changes, one enforced due to an injury sustained by midfielder Tommy Griffin, for Sunday's All Ireland minor football final against Laois at Croke Park.

Griffin damaged ankle ligaments in training and drops back to the substitutes bench. He is replaced by early season choice, John Sugrue of Renard.

Ian Twiss comes into the attack in place of William Harmon, whom he replaced in the second half of the semi final against Mayo.

Laois field the same team that started their previous five gains.