Former Cavan forward Seanie Johnston.

Paul Fitzpatrick

Seanie Johnston is in line to make his Kildare debut against Cavan this Sunday, The Anglo-Celt can reveal.

It was reported last week that Johnston was a doubt for the game after picking up a shoulder injury during training with the Lilywhites. However, The Celt understands that the St Kevin's player took a full part in training at Hawkfield, outside Newbridge, with the rest of the squad last Tuesday night.

A source has also confirmed that Johnston took part in a light session at Terry Coyle Park, home pitch of his old team Cavan Gaels, yesterday (Tuesday), suggesting that he is fit and could well make an appearance.

Bookmakers Paddy Power had offered odds a fortnight ago of 2/1 against Johnston starting the match and even money that he would make an appearance from the substitute bench.

Speaking last Monday, county board PRO Declan Woods dismissed any suggestions that the Johnston transfer saga will be a motivating factor for the Cavan players, stressing that it is a "non-issue" for Cavan players and management.

"In fairness, I would say that the majority of players that will be on that Cavan panel on Sunday will never have even shared a dressing-room with Seanie Johnston, it's a very young Cavan team and they're all focusing on their own game and performing as best they can.

"They're very proud to wear the jersey, they're working hard and that's all we can ask for."