Mayo footballers have been given a massive boost with the news that Kieran McDonald has made a surprise return to the county squad.

McDonald, the star of Crossmolina's 2001 All-Ireland victory, lined out at centre half forward in a challenge game against Kildare in Leixlip, although he was not listed in the match programme.

McDonald walked out of the Mayo squad at the end of the 2003 National Football League campaign, when he was jeered by Mayo supporters during a match with Fermanagh. He was a huge loss to Mayo last year, and, perhaps fittingly, they exited the All-Ireland qualifiers with a lacklustre performance against Fermanagh.

Rumours had been rife in recent weeks that the forward was on the verge of returning to John Maughan's panel and he is set to lead the Mayo attack in their June 22nd clash with Galway.

His presence in the team against Galway will increase Mayo's chances of victory significantly - particularly given that Galway have not fully solved their centre back problems, though Paul Clancy is showing good form there.

Meanwhile, Galway footballer Kevin Brady has broken his ankle and is expected to miss the rest of the season. Brady, who was just back from suspension at the weekend, trained with the county panel on Saturday morning before playing with club Kilconly against Caherlistrane that evening.

Brady was suspended for six months after playing without proper registration in England at the end of last year. The suspension was commuted and expired last Friday.

"Kevin broke his ankle in two places and underwent surgery this morning," said Galway manager John O'Mahony yesterday. "He was selected for the first team of the league but we withheld him until his suspension hearing was over. He would have been a strong candidate for the team. It's a loss for him and a loss for the team."

Galway's championship begins at the end of this month in Ruislip when they play London.