Higgins a doubt as Cafferkey and O'Shea set to return for Mayo

ALL-Star corner back Keith Higgins is a slight doubt for Mayo's Connaught quarterfinal clash with Sligo, which will be played in Elverys MacHale Park, Castlebar, on Sunday next at 2 p.m.

The Ballyhaunis club man is reported to be nursing a slight leg injury and remains on the doubtful list to start against Sligo.

Although Higgins was togged for training on Sunday, he didn't take part in the practice game.

Should Higgins fail to be passed fully fit, it is expected that Patrick Durcan will revert back to the corner position, with Durcan's half-back role likely to filled by either Donal Vaughan, Chris Barrett or Shane Nally.

However, there is better news for the county supporters in that Ballina's Ger Cafferkey has fully recovered from injury that kept him out of the game for nearly the last year.

The All-Star full-back came off injured during during the Connaught semi-final between Mayo and Galway last June and hasn't been able to play for the county since.

But Cafferkey has now fully recovered and is expected to be handed the number three jersey for next Sunday's game against Sligo.

Meanwhile, Seamus O'Shea, who hasn't played for the county since last year's replayed All-Ireland final, has also fully recovered from injury.

Seamus, who has featured prominately for his club, Breaffy, in recent league and club championship games, is likely to play alongside Tom Parsons in the middle of the field against Sligo.

Castlebar's Mitchels ace Donie Newcombe is another who has recovered from injury and gives the management an extra option for the corner back position.

With All-Star Brendan Harrision unavailable due to a hamstring injury, the number two shirt is up for grabs.