Kerry legend Maurice Fitzgerald is set to join Eamonn Fitzmaurice’s backroom team as a selector, writes Stephen Barry.

As first reported in the Irish Examiner, the 1997 Footballer of the Year will replace Diarmuid Murphy, who stepped down after six years in the role.

Fitzgerald retired from playing with the Kingdom in 2001 and has since gained management experience with his club, St Mary’s. The Cahersiveen club won the Kerry, Munster and All-Ireland Intermediate titles last season.

“I am delighted to welcome Maurice into the Kerry senior football setup,” said Fitzmaurice.

“His football knowledge, work ethic and personality will be a huge asset to us”.

Fitzgerald lined out for his club in a Kerry Senior Football League game last December, aged 46 at the time.

Fitzgerald, who won All-Ireland medals in 1997 and 2000, will join Mikey Sheehy, Liam Hassett and trainer Padraig Corcoran as part of the backroom team.

The appointment is due to be ratified by delegates at tomorrow evening’s Kerry County Board meeting.