International Rules squad and news round-up: The International Rules manager John O'Keeffe has named 11 definite travellers for next month's two-Test series in Australia.

A further 16 players will be selected in the week after the All-Ireland final, probably the Wednesday, to accommodate players from Tyrone and Armagh.

"We have picked strictly on form, for those suited to the code," said O'Keeffe. "We have selected players who, over the five weekend sessions we've had, stood out. We also left players from the All-Ireland finalists out of our initial thinking."

O'Keeffe stated the reasoning behind selecting less than half of the final tally was influenced by the All-Ireland final and the level of competition between the 30-plus players in training.

"There is so little to choose between the 30-36 players in training that we didn't want to pick too early. Also, the quality is very good in this year's All-Ireland, compared to other years, so if someone shows up well there we might invite them along.

"Obviously Cormac McAnallen, Kieran McGeeney and Paul McGrane have the advantage of having played the code before while quality players like Seán Cavanagh and Steven McDonnell are at a disadvantage in not having played before."

Cavanagh's involvement in the All-Ireland under-21 final on October 5th may hinder the midfielder's prospects as the Irish team departs days later. He may be forced to decide between county or country.

With only one goalkeeper set to travel the most keenly contested position looks to be between the posts where Kildare's Enda Murphy and Stephen Cluxton are in a straight face-off.

Down's Brendan Coulter and Laois's Brian McDonald are the only debutants in the squad, thus far- McDonald's mobility is expected to be an asset on the hard surfaces in Australia.

The team will be captained once more by Kerry's Séamus Moynihan as Ireland attempt to win back the series.

The first Test will take place at the Subiaco Oval, Perth, on October 24th and the 43,000 stadium is sold out. The second Test will be at the MCG in Melbourne on October 31st.

Tyrone defender Ciarán Gourley's participation in the All-Ireland final is in doubt after he damaged a shoulder in training. "He went down on the shoulder and it looked nasty at the time," manage Mickey Harte said. "We were wary it might be dislocated, but that appears not to be the case."

Rumours of a bust-up between players and management of the Tipperary senior hurling team at half-time in the All-Ireland semi-final against Kilkenny have been strongly denied by the chairman of Tipperary County Board, Donal Shanahan. He said: "There was no confrontation on that day and there was no problem."

The Tipperary squad held a meeting at the weekend. No statement was issued afterwards but it is understood they will be having a meeting with management.

Meath have begun the hunt for a senior hurling manager following yesterday's announcement Michael Duignan was stepping down after two seasons in charge. Duignan also endured some recent run-ins with the Meath County Board, most significantly over the treatment of dual players, and the pressure being put on them to fulfil club football fixtures close to important hurling league matches.

IRELAND: S Moynihan (Kerry), C McManus (Offaly), G Canty (Cork), A Lynch (Cork), T Giles (Meath), B Coulter (Down), B McDonald (Laois), SM Lockhart (Derry), D Dolan (Westmeath), P Christie (Dublin), T Kennelly (Kerry & Sydney Swans).