Last year's captain Michael Murphy has handed Paul Earley a boost by declaring himself available for the International Rules series.

Murphy and his Donegal team-mates, Neil McGee and Patrick McBrearty, are to attend training on Friday night along with Kerry's David Moran.

The news will be welcomed by manager Earley who has to plan without the services of last year's Player of the Series Ciaran Sheehan.

The Cork man swtiched allegiance to Aussie Rules last year and his club, Carlton, are insisting he focusses on his commitments in Australia.

Selector Tony Scullion told the Irish Daily Star: "He is not fit to commit himself. He has a contract.

"The poor lad wanted to go for this but he is tied to his club in Australia."

Footballer of the Year Michael Darragh Macauley has also ruled himself out after breaking a finger in club action recently.

"James McCarthy is involved. Paul Flynn isn't able to commit but he seen to be coming on board," Scullion revealed.

"Cian O'Sullivan wasn't in last weekend and were not 100 per cent sure and Jack McCaffrey can't commit as he's up to his teeth doing medicine at university,"

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