Tomas O Se says Paul Galvin's retirement u-turn is a positive for the Kingdom.

Writing in today's Irish Independent, O Se admitted he was surprised by the latest development but believes his former team-mate still has plenty to offer on the field of play.

"One question has to be addressed first in assessing Paul Galvin's return to the Kerry squad last night. Is he one of the best 25 footballers in the county right now?

"To me the answer is a definitive yes. So to my mind his comeback after more than a year away is not a gamble even though the media are likely to portray it as one.

"There isn't a mentally stronger footballer I know to take on this challenge.

"I'm surprised by it, I didn't see it coming but I do know that he wasn't always at ease with himself last year over the decision he made. It hurt him to walk away and he found it hard even to go to matches early on.

"But his body wasn't right when he made the decision and I suspect that is something that has changed now."

O Se added: "I only hope this won't be portrayed as a distraction if things don't go right for Kerry. It's anything but that and I think the group of players will be tough enough to deal with it.

"I feel he is still best suited to playing in the half-forward despite suspicions that he will revert to defence. To my mind he was tried there before and it didn't suit him and anyway Kerry's defence is a lot better than many will give them credit for.

"It will make for another very interesting summer for Kerry."

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