CON A REAL PRO FOR BLUES

TALISMAN'S RETURN A HUGE BOOST FOR FARRELL'S MEN

- 

THE news that Con O'Callaghan has been named in the Dublin squad for tonight's do-or-die All-Ireland SFC clash with Derry is a huge fillip to Dessie Farrell.

Make no mistake about it, the absence of their talisman, both in his individual input and the galvanising effect he has on others, was badly missed last time out against Armagh.

Indeed, while initially selected to start proceedings against Derry on the bench, it wouldn't surprise anyone if the Cuala star is parachuted into the first 15 for throw-in.

With the Oak Leaf county hugely boosted by their battling draw against Galway, this evening is serious jeopardy for Dublin, and their season could be over if they don't perform.

With Conor Glass and Brendan Rogers exceptional in Derry's most recent game, Dublin will have to flood midfield to have any chance of disrupting the potential control of this top-notch pairing.

Newry will witness absolute tension this evening, and the 9/1 on offer for zero goals in the match looks tempting.

O'Callaghan's return, allied to the disappointing shooting stats two weeks ago, means there must be a Dublin kickback. They can win by two points, making the handicap draw (-2 at 10/1) worth a wager.

Armagh have already topped this group, and are safely through to the quarter-finals, but they have still selected an extremely strong side for the meeting with Galway.