‘Still hasn’t found what he’s looking for’

Anthony Daly is still searching for his best team. The display against Wexford was like the curates egg – good in spots. After a brilliant start and leading by 6 points to one things began to happen and Wexford were allowed back into the game. The same happened against Limerick in Croke Park on March 16^th. Maybe the players get a bit complacent when they start well. Interestingly, against Limerick in the League final, they started poorly and Limerick should have the game put away at half time. Dublin came out in the second half and turned in a great defensive display to win the final.

Some of the experiments have not worked for the team. Johnny McCaffrey was tried at centre forward during the league and it didn’t really work for Johnny or the team. In fairness Johnny never really played in the forwards and the number 11 shirt is the hardest shirt to fill on most county teams today. It has affected Johnny’s overall play and he is playing below par at the moment. Actually his best position is in the half back line and it might be time to put him back there.

Most forwards would make good backs. Liam Rushe has turned in some good performances in the defence this year but he had made his name as a forward and I believe he should have been left there. I have no doubt that he would have made a massive difference last Saturday if he had been full forward. Conal Keaney also is a serious forward and while he is a good centre back we need him up front. We have a good supply of hurlers who can play in the half back line – Michael Carton, Shane Durkin, Stephen Hiney, Johnny McCaffrey, Simon Lambert, Martin Quilty and of course Joey Boland.

The extra game will be good for Dublin and they should be winning with a few points to spare.But a lot depends on how Anthony Daly and his selectors line out their team.