but in the three league games he started he proved he can deliver the goods on centre stage. In the process he has shown flair and has kicked some exceptional points. The regular scoring threat that he provides is just what Cork need and a decent run in the championship would bring Goulding on to the next level.

RAYMOND MULGREW (Tyrone) The Tyrone underage set up has been a conveyor belt of talent in recent years, but of all the names to drop from it, Ray Mulgrew is one to write down and remember. Two years ago he practically won the minor All Ireland final single-handedly for Tyrone, with a Croke Park display that will be recalled for years to come. It's unlikely that he'll start many games for them this summer, but he's a definite to be used off the bench by Mickey Harte. His value to Tyrone has also increased with the long-term injury to Brian McGuigan. Mulgrew may not be a shining star this season but any game time he gets will be experience for campaigns to come.

COLM KELLY (Laois, left) Playing for his club, Stradbally, Kelly was the Laois footballer of the year in 2005 and earlier this season he maintained his impressive form by kicking 2-13 in the opening two games of the under-21 championship. But releasing under-21s for senior duty in Laois was a pointless exercise which could have undermined underage ambitions.

And it's a pity because a few more games at senior level would have stood to the likes of Kelly. He started three games in the national league and was unlucky to be taken off at half-time against Kerry.

His contribution to open play was impressive that day even if he didn't set the scoreboard alight. He's recognised as a prolific scorer though and, with a places up for grabs in the Laois full-forward line, Kelly is worth his spot.

KEITH HIGGINS (Mayo) To some in Mayo he's the sports star of the future, and for others he's the star of the present. Higgins excels at both hurling and football and though the GAA season is still in its infancy, the 21-yearold from Ballyhaunis already has 17 competitive games for his county under his belt. He drove Mayo to a Division 2 National League semi-final in hurling, but, crucially, was unable to make that game as it clashed with the under-21 football semi-final.

He made his only senior championship start against Roscommon last year and would have seen more time on the field but for some injury trouble. He's a tight corner-back who is set to nail down a regular place in the Mayo team this summer.

Lately there's been pressure on him to choose between codes, but for the moment he says he's happy to be involved in both. And both are glad to have him too.

BRYAN SHEEHAN (Kerry, right) Two of his neighbours turned dead-ball kicking into a great art, and while it's premature for comparisons with O'Connell and Fitzgerald, Sheehan is already a joy to watch when he places the ball on the grass. He has distance and accuracy, and with the departure of O Cinneide will be put to use by Jack O'Connor.

Sheehan brings other qualities to the table too: he's strong and robust and he makes time on the ball. If he starts in the championship . . .

and he surely will . . . then the question is where? He's comfortable on the 40 or he could be deployed as a mobile fullforward to give the Gooch some room to manoeuvre. He could prove to be one of the missing pieces in the Kerry jigsaw.