International Rookie Niall McKeever will be available for senior selection in Round One after being elevated to the Brisbane Lions’ senior list.

McKeever was elevated in place of Brent Staker, who has been added to the long term injury list while he recovers from his latest knee surgery.

The 23 year-old Irishman made his senior debut for the Lions last year - less than two years after picking up a Sherrin for the first time - and kept his place in the team for the final 10 weeks of the 2011 season.

Playing predominantly as a key defender in the absence of Daniel Merrett, he was entrusted with some big jobs against the competition’s elite forwards and grew in confidence each week. His supreme running ability, athleticism and competitiveness were among the key features of his game.

McKeever seems to have once again settled into a key role down back during the pre-season, and will now be available to add some height and flexibility to the Lions’ senior line-up throughout the regular season.