DOWN FOOTBALL sharpshooter Benny Coulter has emerged as a leading candidate for the captaincy of the Ireland team to face Australia in this year’s International Rules Tests – if he is fit enough to take part in the tests.

The Irish Independent reports that Coulter – who has featured in each of the last five Test series since 2003, and captains his county side – is one of two likely choices, with the other being Armagh’s Steven McDonnell, who is similarly experienced.

Coach Anthony Tohill’s provisional 34-man squad took final trials in Limerick last weekend and the Derryman is likely to name his final 23 in Dublin on Thursday afternoon, when he will also name the squad captain.

Coulter’s involvement could be totally threatened, however, by an injury Coulter picked up with his club on Sunday.

The forward managed just three minutes of Mayobridge’s senior championship semi-final against Burren, suffering a relapse of an older leg injury while scoring the first of his team’s three goals. His much-fancied side struggled without him and lost by 1-16 to 3-7.

Dublin brothers Alan and Bernard Brogan will both be available, however, with their club St Oliver Plunkett/Eoghan Ruadh crashing out of the Dublin senior championship at the same stage to St Brigid’s.

Australian boss Mick Malthouse named his 22-strong squad last week, and included just six players with previous International Rules experience – while, by comparison, Ireland include two current AFL players – Chrissy McKaigue (Derry/Sydney Swans) and Pearse Hanley (Mayo/Brisbane Lions) as well as six inter-county players who have previously played Down Under.

This year’s tests take place in Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds on October 23 and Croke Park on October 30.