Howard determined to right the wrongs

Brian Howard is determined that Dublin respond positively from their loss to Tyrone last time out when they face Meath in Sunday's FL Division 1 clash at Croke Park (3.15).

The Red Hands prevailed in Healy Park, Omagh two weekends' ago (1-10 to 1-7) to inflict defeat on Dessie Farrell's Dubs for the first time in this year's league campaign.

Rory Brennan's 69th minute goal saw Mickey Harte's men to to victory when they clincially punished their visitors on the counter-attack.

This was Dublin’s first defeat of their league campaign following wins over Mayo and Donegal and draws with Kerry and Monaghan.

"The league's been so competitive - it's potentially a wake up call for the last few games, how we have to much improve," said Brian Howard.

"The other teams are just getting that bit stronger and are trying to push for the All-Ireland.

"They're trying to take that away from us. It's up to us to get that bit better."

The conditions in Omagh made flowing football impossible but the Raheny clubman was not looking to make excuses.

"You don’t pay much notice to the rain, you’re so engrossed in the game.

“But the wind was a factor, just trying to kick-pass the ball. Dean (Rock) had a shot in the first half, going on target, most days would have gone over the black spot, but was blown off target.
“It’s easy to blame the conditions but we know we weren’t up to our standard.”

Reflecting on Dublin's displays over their five league games to date Howard added: "We haven't performed. Last year we didn't get to the final, that was a worry for us because we lost three games and that's not where we want to be.

"But this year we've one defeat - which isn't what we wanted either - but we should have time ... we've two games left.

"Whether that's to get us into the league final or just puts the wrongs right from the last day, we've time thankfully to get better."