Mayo may play their towering midfielder, Liam McHale, at full forward when they face Offaly in the second of the All-Ireland football semi-finals in Croke Park on Sunday. McHale has been spending quite a bit of time in that position in training matches and the return of Colm McManamon after suspension gives the Mayo manager, John Maughan, the option of playing McManamon at midfield. He made an impact there some years ago.

The man most likely to lose out in this scenario would be the incumbent full forward, John Casey, who was less than impressive in the Connacht final against Sligo. Although Mayo have doubts about the fitness of two others players, they have hopes that Kevin O'Neill may be fit for action. The two Mayo players still having treatment are Maurice Sheridan, their specialist place kicker, and Kieran McDonald.

Mayo had a relaxed work-out against a Sligo selection in tandem with the Fleadh Cheoil in Ballina on Sunday.

The continued improvement of David Brady also gives Mayo options at midfield.

Offaly are expected to name their team tonight. They also have what appear to be minor injury problems, at full back and in the attack respectively, where Larry Carroll and Vinny Claffey are said to be receiving treatment. Hopes are high, however, that the team which caused the major upset of the season by beating Meath will be chosen again.