Senior footballers nearing full fitness

Dublin manager Jim Gavin has confirmed that Cormac Costello is Dublin’s only injury casualty ahead of Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Monaghan in Croke Park (6.0).

The Whitehall Colmcille clubman is currently making his way back to full fitness following an ankle injury after suffering hamstring injuries earlier in the season during the league campaign.

“It's disappointing for any player that picks up an injury, you know. But he's (Cormac) really worked so hard at it with the medical team. He's been really diligent and hard at it.

“Now he's back on the pitch, which is great for him and great for the team,” says Jim.

“This is an ankle injury … it's a physical contact sport, sometimes these things happen. But he's back and that's the big thing. And who knows what happens this week, whether he'll partake in a Dublin jersey again this season.”

Diarmuid Connolly is still suspended but would be available for selection if the Dubs can get over the challenge of the Farney County.

“Please God we'll get through this week and have close to the full hand for selection,” says Jim.

“They're all back - just Cormac Costello. Cormac is back on the pitch, he's partaking in the training sessions again. It's just a little bit too early for him.

“A lot of players are putting their hands up to be involved in the match-day squad. That's great to see. They have always been about the collective and that's what they're about now.”