Cian O'Sullivan has been selected to start at centre-back for Dublin in the All-Ireland final this weekend, while Michael Dara Macauley, Kevin McManamon and Alan Brogan are all on the bench again.
Dublin manager Jim Gavin has elected to keep the faith with Cian O'Sullivan by handing him the number 6 jersey for the big clash tomorrow despite his injury afflictions of late. O'Sullivan limped off Croke Park after the replay win against Mayo with suspected cramp that later turned out to be a hamstring injury.
Provided O'Sullivan has fully recovered, it would undoubtedly relieve the Dublin panel to see him take the field against Kerry. But as we've seen so far this season, Jim Gavin has a penchant for announcing last minute changes before the throw-in.
Elsewhere, Denis Bastick has been awarded the midfield partnership role with Brian Fenton meaning Michael Dara McAuley has been relegated to the bench once again. Macauley's omission will surprise some considering his stunning contribution for Dublin in the semi-final replay.
There's also no room in Gavin's 15 for Alan Brogan or the goal poacher Kevin McManamon, as Dean Rock gets the nod to retain his spot in the corner. Similar to Maculey's situation, both Brogan and Manamon put in impressive performances against Mayo which gives further credence to the suspicion that perhaps Dublin have named a dummy team.
The starting 15 as per the programme is as follows:
1. Stephen Cluxton (Parnells)
2. Jonny Cooper (Na Fianna)
3. Rory O’Carroll (Kilmacud Crokes)
4. Philly McMahon (Ballymun Kickhams)
5. James McCarthy (Ballymun Kickhams)
6. Cian O’Sullivan (Kilmacud Crokes)
7. Jack McCaffrey (Clontarf)
8. Brian Fenton (Raheny)
9. Denis Bastick (Templeogue Synge-Street)
10. Paul Flynn (Fingallians)
11. Ciaran Kilkenny (Castleknock)
12. Diarmuid Connolly (St Vincents)
13. Dean Rock (Ballymun Kickhams)
14. Paddy Andrews (St Brigids)
15. Bernard Brogan (St Oliver Plunketts/ER)
Download the brand new OffTheBall App in the Play Store & App Store right now! We've got you covered!
Subscribe to OffTheBall's YouTube channel for more videos, like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter for the latest sporting news and content.
