Bernard Brogan to captain Ireland in International Rules series

Bernard Brogan represented Ireland in the 2010 series

Dublin star Bernard Brogan will captain Ireland in this year's International Rules Test against Australia at Croke Park on 21 November.

Ireland manager Joe Kernan said Brogan had been appointed to a "coveted role".

"He has been a top footballer in our game for many years - something borne out by the many accolades he has earned," added the Ireland manager.

Brogan takes over from Donegal's Michael Murphy who skippered the Irish in 2013 and 2014.

The Dublin forward described being handed the captaincy as an "honour and a privilege".

"As Gaelic footballers, opportunities to play for Ireland and pit our skills against athletes from other nations and codes are few and far between and next month we will test ourselves against arguably the strongest ever Australian team to come here," said Brogan.

"Not only do they include the best of the AFL in terms of talent but they have experience of this code in their ranks, not least with their management team whose exploits both in their domestic game and indeed in this code, are proven.

"It's a challenge we will relish and I look forward to working with Joe and his selectors and all of the lads on the panel to do our best to keep the Cormac McAnallen Cup in Ireland."

Brogan played for Ireland during both tests in 2010 and his brother Alan has also represented the Irish.

Kernan is currently holding trials for the squad which will be finalised early next month as Ireland aim to avenge last year's series defeat Down Under.

Former All-Ireland winners Darragh O Se (Kerry) and Padraic Joyce (Galway) will join former Kildare footballer Dermot Earley in Kernan's backroom team.