Callum McCormack, seen here scoring his crucial goal against Louth in round one of the Qualifiers, will start against Kerry on Sunday

Depending on the weather, Westmeath County Board expects Westmeath GAA supporters to arrive at Cusack Park in their thousands this Sunday (3pm), when Kerry come to town.

The board hopes that some 4,000 will don the maroon and white for Sunday's All-Ireland SFC Round 2 Qualifier, giving Colm 'Gooch' Cooper, Bryan Sheehan and co. a welcome they'll never forget.

Westmeath start without influential full-back Kieran Gavin, who continues to battle a quad muscle injury, while pacy forward James Dolan (Garrycastle) is suspended, after being reported by referee Barry Kelly for using verbal abuse on the sideline during an U16 club football game.

Dolan's absence clears the way for Maryland's Callum McCormack, who starts at left wing forward. Ever the super-sub, a place in the starting XV is a deserved reward for McCormack in light of his recent performances, including an heroic 1-2 against Louth in the opening qualifier.

Garrycastle's Leinster club SFC-winning captain John Gaffey steps in at full-back, and will surely have his hands full with Cooper, who spearheads the Kingdom attack.

Kerry, meanwhile, are without influential forward Darran O'Sullivan, but All-Star midfielder Bryan Sheehan returns to the fold, setting up a fascinating duel with the Lake County's John Heslin.