Marc Ó Sé: Kerry should keep Cliffords in reserve during Kingdom talent search

Kerry great Marc Ó Sé believes that Jack O'Connor must avoid the temptation to use the Clifford brothers from the start of the 2024 season and has argued that keeping the pair out of the spotlight will have a two-fold advantage.

The 2007 Footballer of the Year, who was confirmed on Monday as a returning GAAGO pundit for next season, said that not only do the siblings deserve an extended break, but Kerry must identify some new talent to fill the obvious gaps that were evident in last season’s final loss to Dublin.

David and Paudie Clifford have played over 100 competitive games between them across the last two seasons with Kerry, Fossa and East Kerry enjoying extended campaigns in that time, and Ó Sé said that was bound to catch up with them.

"Fossa were playing in the All-Ireland Club final (2023), the Cliffords probably needed a few weeks off. Kerry played Monaghan (in the league), Kerry hadn’t that many points on the board and Paudie Clifford was fast-forwarded into the game. He kicked a goal the same day I think, but maybe try out a few more players, what’s the worst thing that can happen?

"You can go down to Division 2, look it didn’t do Dublin any harm really. I think it’s important that Kerry try out players and see how they go, you sink or swim."

"They're going constantly; it’s bound to creep up on them at some stage."

"The thing with the Cliffords is they even played in the intermediate final against Milltown a couple of weeks ago and they lost. Had they won that they would have been continuing on and going again and who knows where that would have brought them?," he added.

"Those games come hot and heavy. They’re going constantly; it’s bound to creep up on them at some stage.

"At least now they’ll possibly have that