Jim Gavin: No concern over James McCarthy

Wed, 7th September 2016

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has allayed any injury worries over wing-back James McCarthy ahead of Sunday week's All-Ireland SFC final against Mayo in Croke Park.

The Ballymun Kickhams returned to the starting 15 for the semi-final victory over Kerry after missing the Leinster final against Westmeath and All-Ireland quarter-final victory over Donegal owing to a knee injury.

However, James suffered a shoulder strain in the opening half against the Kingdom but finished the game, putting in a powerful display despite missing the two previous games.

Jim Gavin says he has "no concerns" over the Kickhams man adding: "you saw his mobility on the pitch, that's what he was demonstrating in the weeks leading up to that game."

Looking ahead to the clash with Mayo the Dublin boss says that the Connacht men have improved significantly via the qualifier route.

"From what I've seen of them, I'm not surprised (they have reached final) when you look at the players they have.

"It's a very mature team and they have learned a lot. They have been in finals before so they know how to get here.

"Over the last number of games in the qualifier series, it has benefited them.

"They've got a run now and tightened things up defensively. They have introduced a few younger players from their 21 squad so it doesn't surprise me," said Jim.