Pat Spillane believes the age-old tradition of allowing the county champions to nominate the Kerry team captain is hindering the Kingdom's chances of competing with Dublin.

In his Sunday World column, Spillane says one of new Kerry manager Peter Keane's first tasks should be to end the practice.

"This is beyond a joke at this stage. It reached farcial levels this summer. Fionn Fitzgerald, who was nominated for the role by county champions Dr Crokes, failed to make the team," he wrote.

"Rookie goalkeeper Shane Murphy captained the side in his first ever senior championship match while other inexperienced players such as Gavin White and Micheal Burns were also burdened with the role during the season.

"For Kerry to beat the best they have to match them in every department. Dublin captain Stephen Cluxton mightn't say much in public, but he is one of the most inspiring skippers in the history of the GAA.

"A captain must inspire through his deeds on the field. Giving the county champions the right to nominate the captain is utter madness and must be scrapped."

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