Mayo forward Kevin McLoughlin is adamant that fatigue will not play a part in the outcome of Sunday's All-Ireland SFC semi final against Kerry.

The Connacht side do battle with the Kingdom for a place in this year's decider, having taken the long route to the penultimate stage of the championship.

Beaten by Galway in the provincial campaign, Mayo embarked on the qualifiers and after 600 minutes of football, which included extra time and a replay, they are where they want to be.

Kerry's route has been all the more easier as they have played just three games to get here culminating in 210 plus minutes of football to reach the semi-final.

However, McLoughlin stressed to the Western People that their fitness levels are keeping them going as they prepare for yet another game.

"Ask any player across the country; playing games is what you want," said McLoughlin. "If a team isn't playing well, it's very easy to say they look tired but it's just maybe the way it looks on the pitch.

"When teams are going well, they're fresh. Personally, I wouldn't say I'm fatigued. I can't speak for everyone else, but I'm pretty sure we're okay in terms of fitness.

"Training has been very good. There are guys on the bench who have been biding their time, playing well and they got their opportunity there the last day towards the end of the game.

"A couple of guys came on and played very well. They've really put up their hand and said I want to get on earlier. A bit of competition is no harm."

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