Jim Gavin pays tribute to his squad

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has paid tribute to his squad following Sunday's NFL Division 1 victory over Roscommon in Carrick-on-Shannon, a win that saw the Dubs go their round-robin games with a 100 per cent record of seven wins from seven games.

With qualification for the semi-finals already secured in advance of last Sunday's game against the Rossies Dublin started with a new-look starting 15 and put in a strong opening half before having to withstand a powerful Roscommon comeback.

The Dubs eventually emerged one-point victors 1-13 to 1-12 to set up this Sunday's semi-final against Donegal in Croke Park (4.0), the semi-final meeting of Kerry and Roscommon (2.0) provides the curtain-raiser at GAA headquarters.

“It is a healthy sign of the squad that players, with so many changes, can simply continue our patterns of play and see things through to the end,” said Jim Gavin.

Looking ahead to Sunday's encounter with Donegal Jim added: "Donegal can play it a number of ways ... the game from two weeks ago has no relevance. It’s a new game, there will be new players on the pitch from both sides, I’m sure - so we will go after a performance and see where that takes us.”