Cillian O'Connor eyes Mayo return against Down

CILLIAN O'Connor is on course for his return to competitive action for Mayo.

The Ballintubber ace played for 20 minutes in a challenge match against Clare last weekend, according to national media reports.

It was his first game for the county's senior squad since his knee operation late last year.

It is expected he will be named in the panel to face Down in the second round of the All-Ireland SFC qualifiers in Newry on Saturday week after missing the earlier championship games against Roscommon and New York.