Paul Earley insists Gaelic football's top players are as eager as ever to represent their country in the International Rules series.

The series has lost much of its appeal with the public in recent years due to some very one-sided games, but Earley claims it is still a huge honour for players to wear the Irish jersey.  The extended Irish squad trained at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan last Friday and Saturday with seasoned International Rules campaigners such as Ciaran McKeever, Ross Munnelly, Aidan O'Shea and Leighton Glynn - who announced his inter-county football retirement last week - among in attendance.

Speaking to the Western People afterwards, the Ireland manager admitted that many of last year's successful squad would be involved again in this year's one-match series in Perth, but stressed that there would be opportunities for others to book their seat on the plane.

"They understand the game and are a bit ahead of the new guys, but there are plenty of opportunities to take," Earley said.

"It's a big deal for the majority of the top players to play for their country. They are putting a huge effort into training and travelling every weekend. They pretty much have to leave work and college at midway every Friday to attend training."

The former Roscommon star expects Australia to provide a much stiffer test to his team this time around.

"Australia are seriously hurt after the last two series," he claimed.

"They were well beaten last year and have changed their approach. Only All Star players can be chosen. This will possibly be their strongest squad ever.

"Their coach won the Grand final last week and the other two coaches are from top sides. They are taking it very seriously."

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