Kevin McKernan has found himself fulfilling cameo roles for Down in the Ulster senior football championship.

Against both Tyrone and Armagh, Kevin found himself sprung fromt he substitutes bench when the heat was on.

But tonight the Burren clubman gets a much greater chance to impress manager Ross Carr when he willbe in the starting line-up for the All Ireland Qualifier against Offaly at O’Connor Park, Tullamore (7.00).

McKernan, whose father Brendan played for Down in the early 1990’s and won two All Ireland medals as a dependable right-back, will fill the rather unusual role of centre-half-back tonight as Down seek to put their semi-final defeat to Armagh very much into the background.

Manager Carr also has Martin Cole back in his defence against an Offaly side that won promotion from Division Four of the National League and will enjoy healthy home support.

Meanwhile, Kildare manager Kieran McGeeney has axed long-serving Anthony Rainbow for his team’s game against Cavan at Newbridge (7.00).

This is one of several changes in a Kildare side that is now under immense pressure to get an encouraging result to atone for that major Leinster Championship setback against unfancied Wicklow.

“Our display on that occasion was unacceptable and we need now to turn any midfield possession we win to good account. We have to show a big improvement,” said McGeeney.

Cavan manager Donal Keogan is limited in his overall choice for this clash, though.