ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS Dublin are gunning for four-in-a-row in the 2016 Allianz Football League and their options will be boosted by the return of some key personnel ahead of the new campaign.
Allstar midfielder Brian Fenton returned to the squad on Monday, boss Jim Gavin confirmed, and he’s set to feature during the early rounds of the League campaign after recovering from a shoulder injury.
Man-of-the-match in the 2015 All-Ireland final victory over Kerry, Raheny star Fenton enjoyed a stellar debut season at senior level.
Kevin McManamon and Eric Lowndes are also edging closer to returns while Cian O’Sullivan, Kevin O’Brien and Eoghan O’Gara are also on the comeback trail.
“We expect to see all three (Fenton, McManamon and Lowndes) back for the opening rounds of the National League,” Gavin told Dublin’s 98FM following last night’s O’Byrne Cup victory over IT Carlow.
“Cian’s good – athletically he’s very loose and he’s coming around very well.
“This time of the season is an opportunity to look at other players but Cian is fit to play.
“He’s gone through the RTP (return to play) protocols, it’s just we’ve looked at other players.
“Kevin is playing with DIT, he played at the weekend and we had that game scouted.
Eoghan is back and he’s got a pair of boots again, supporters will be glad to know.
“He’s back on the training field and absolutely delighted with his progress. We should see him figure at the back end of the National League.”
O’Brien could be considered as a potential candidate for the full-back position vacated by Rory O’Carroll while O’Gara’s return from cruciate knee ligament damage will provide Gavin with another valuable option in attack.
Poor chap knew the moment it happened that his WC was over.
Always hate to see fellas get injured this close to the rwc..
Sports can be cruel too at times
Really felt for the guy watching that unfold on Saturday. Was hoping it was not too serious, sport can be so terribly cruel.
Very bad luck.
Heartbreaking for him. He looks like the real deal and comes across as a good bloke. Was hoping it wasn’t a muscle injury and he’d have some chance of making it.