Pat Spillane highlights Kerry's 'lack of physicality'

Following their draw away to Kildare in the opening Division 1 encounter in this year's Allianz Football League, Pat Spillane referenced Kerry's lack of physicality in key areas on the pitch.

The Lilywhites scored the last four points of the game to earn a well-deserved draw in Newbridge and while it's early on in Jack O'Connor's third coming as Kingdom boss, Spillane did voice some concerns when he spoke on Allianz League Sunday.

"It was a reality check for Kerry. They had three turkey shoots in the McGrath Cup and there was a bit of, sort of, getting carried away. They weren't serious matches.

"Kerry will always struggle in a tight pitch and Newbridge is a tight pitch. Kerry lack physicality and that's a big problem, that physicality around the middle third. None of the half-forward line today is 5ft 10.

"They are trying to work on a defensive structure; I didn't see much of it in evidence, a little bit."

The eight-time All-Ireland winner was, however, full of praise for the Lilywhites, who were beginning life under a much-decorated management team, led by Glen Ryan.

"Kildare, on the other hand, were amazingly fit, physical, aggressive, and well organised," he added.

Also complimenting the Leinster county's effort was Oisín McConville.

"I was very impressed with Kildare today. Kildare needed a couple of things. They needed structure, a manager that believed in them, and a little bit of badness. We've seen a bit of all of those three things today. There's more to come from them."

The 2002 All-Ireland winner won't be reading too much into Kerry's showing at St Conleth's Park.

"There is a lot more to come from Kerry. For this management team it is early days. I didn't see any particular structure with them today. As the pitches dry