Conor Cox is tackled by Kerry’ Jason Foley during Saturday evening’s Division One clash against Kerry in Tralee. Picture: INPHO/Ben Brady

Roscommon senior football manager Davy Burke has confirmed that Conor Daly faces a race against time to be in the frame for the Connacht championship quarter-final against Mayo on Easter Sunday.

Daly wasn’t involved in this evening’s 1-12 to 0-12 defeat against All-Ireland champions Kerry in Tralee after picking up an ankle sprain against Mayo two weeks ago.

Once again, Roscommon were the victims of another poor start, handing Kerry a 1-3 to 0-0 advantage after only ten minutes — the goal coming from David Clifford after he latched on to a brilliant Tony Brosnan pass in the fourth minute.

At the break, the Rossies were 1-7 to 0-5 behind, but another resurgent second-half performance in which Brian Stack, Daire Cregg and Conor Cox were outstanding saw Burke’s men erode the deficit to two points at one stage.

But Kerry, who lost Graham O’Sullivan and Tadhg Morley to black cards in the second half, were always able to keep the scoreboard ticking over to prevail, although Roscommon, who introduced Cian McKeon in the second half, were pushing hard for an equaliser towards the end.

Crucially, despite the loss, Roscommon’s scoring difference didn’t take a major hit, meaning that they remain in pole position to consolidate their Division One League status ahead of hosting Donegal in their final game at Dr. Hyde Park on Sunday (tomorrow) week.

*Match report and reaction from this evening’s game in Tuesday’s Roscommon Herald