But he made his intentions here clear by picking a strong side featuring first-choice goalkeeper Brad Friedel, and two England hopefuls in Ashley Young and Stewart Downing, and his team initially took the game to their hosts.

BBC: Crystal Palace 2-2 Aston Villa

Many Mayo folk felt Geraghty should have been a first choice player during the summer and his inclusion mean that the side now possess two outstanding corner-backs with captain Gary Ruane on the other flank.

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