IN the space of 70 minutes, John Casey was catapulted from the status of promising newcomer to that of a dangerous All Ireland full forward. Kerry might have been surprised although they shouldn't have been as the Mayoman took four points from play and toddled off with the Man of the Match award.

During the previous month's Connacht final into which Mayo had also started as outsiders, Casey had cut loose on as distinguished a full back as Galway's Gary Fahy and given adequate warning that he was in form.

Kerry knew about him anyway as last year he formed with current senior colleague David Brady a midfield partnership that helped Mayo to the All Ireland under 21 final where, after a replay, they were narrowly beaten by the Monster champions.

Seam us Mac Gearailt was a selector for the Kerry under 21s and this year was coach of the senior team that lost so comprehensively to Mayo in the All Ireland semi final last month.

"We looked on him as a very good fielder and playmaker, a very forceful player. We had two big men on himself and Brady Dara O Se and Donal Daly but overall we struggled against them. Casey was a great linkman and did more running than Brady who was more of a fielder.

Even by then, Casey had a reputation as a forward. Thrown into the second half of Mayo's attempt to head off Leitrim's first Connacht title in 67 years, in 1994, he impressed with his enthusiasm and was on the under 21 side that reached that year's under 21 final against Cork.

By the time John Maughan took over in Mayo last autumn, Casey was an obvious asset for the team. His performances at full forward in the championship confirmed his reputation as an athletic ball player, tough enough physically and men ally to cut it as a senior full forward. Connacht, however, wouldn't be conclusive proof.

"We respected him as a good, all round player," says Mac Gearailt of this year's All Ireland semi final, knot just a one position man. He's athletic, strong, with good feet and a good pair of hands.

"We knew that no matter what way ball came in, he was a good ball winner and very mobile. But we felt Mike Hassett who is also very mobile was the ideal man to mark him. It's no secret we were struggling at full back and Mike Hassett is a natural wing back, but there was a problem and we were trying to plug it. He would move out the field and Hassett is very comfortable out the field.

Casey did damage because they got good quality ball into him with our centre back pulled out of position by McManamon. Any forward who gets good quality ball is going to cause trouble. Even as a mid fielder he was inclined to move forward and support his forwards."

The main questions up for decision on Sunday are the extent to which Meath can shut down the flow of possession into Casey and how well Darren Fay can cope with the consequences of what does get through.