Seán Potts was full of praise for James McCarthy and his ability to produce at the most critical moments of games.
"McCarthy for me would be one of those athletes who ranks alongside Roy Keane," the musician said.
"They show up when it matters most in games."
Keane won seven league titles with Manchester United, the same amount of All-Ireland crowns won by McCarthy with the Dubs. Both men were driving forces from midfield in their respective teams and each of those teams sustained success over many years.
Potts was on OTB AM today discussing who should be considered for Dublin's sporting Mount Rushmore and he gave McCarthy a special mention.
"On a team full of absolutely legendary footballers, McCarthy has become my favourite footballer," he said.
Potts pointed out that despite Dublin's dominance of the championship in recent years there have still been close games and McCarthy has always shone in these situations.
"As well as being a phenomenal athlete, tremendous footballer and hard as nails, he shows up when you absolutely most need him," he said
"In the 2015 semi-final replay, Lee Keegan missed a chance and then McCarthy punished him at the other end of the field."
Dublin won by seven points on that day against Mayo thanks to three goal blitz in the last quarter of the game.
"Even in the Kerry games last year, he shows up in those critical periods when the game is actually being won," Potts said
"Great players do that of course and that’s what marks him apart in my view."
McCarthy played a key part in Dublin's five-in-a-row and was often used in very specific roles by Jim Gavin to limit the opposition's strongest players.
"He’s been detailed with a lot of hard jobs over the years. He’s often put on the player that needs to be quietened," Potts said.
"He’s had to deputise in midfield even though he’s a natural centre-back.
"A lot of his work is absolutely gruelling. Running people into the ground.
"If you watch him with David Moran in last season's replay. A lot of it is dummy runs and work off the ball before of course showing up in that critical ten minute period with a couple of points."
Stephen Cluxton, Brian O'Driscoll, John Giles and Liam Brady were put forward as the four representatives from the northside for Dublin's Mount Rushmore.
We'll have the southside four picked on Wednesday and then the eight will go forward to Thursday's ultimate picks.
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