Ciaran Kilkenny: You can imagine the energy it will create in training

Dublin forward Ciaran Kilkenny has highlighted the competition for places in the starting team as a key driving force as Jim Gavin's men crank up preparations for the All-Ireland Series.

The Dubs secured a record seventh in-a-row of Leinster SFC titles last Sunday when defeating Kildare and will face Armagh, Monaghan or Down in their quarter-final.

"You can imagine the buzz and energy it's going to create in training and how competitive it's going to be," says Ciaran.

“It keeps you on your toes and keeps everyone extremely driven and motivated, the fact that if they don't perform, somebody else is willing to represent the group and do their best for Dublin.”

The Castleknock clubman also paid tribute to two of his fellow forwards who are at opposite ends of their careers in terms of age and experience.

Bernard Brogan who replaced the black-carded Dean Rock in the 24th minute went on to kick five points from play while Con O'Callaghan shot 0-12, six from play, in a Man of the Match display.

The Cuala man, who this year also won an All-Ireland U21FC title, also took over the responsibility of the free-taking following the departure of Rock.

“If I'm able to move like that... like, my aspiration is to play for as long as possible and he (Bernard) is moving extremely well.

“It's a credit to how he looks after himself in terms of his nutrition and how he looks after himself.

"He's always been very driven and he was brilliant there the last day and he's flying.

He's like a young lad out there playing. Bernard has always been extremely driven and the experience he has playing at the highest level is invaluable to us," says Ciaran.

Regarding Con he adds: "He's a very, level-headed young man. He's eager, he's driven. And he's willing to work really hard as well.

"That just shows that character of the young man. He doesn't need much advice from me now. He just has a great head about him."