LOOKING OUT FOR NUMBER 1

Dubs hero John says new rules make goalkeepers key

- BY GARRY DOYLE

DUBS GREAT Small - former Dublin footballer and the Sales Director, Procure.ie - at the Guaranteed Irish launch

FORMER Dublin stalwart John Small believes Jim Gavin's new rules have made goalkeepers the most influential figure on the field.

Supporters of David Clifford might argue otherwise, but Small, a seven-time All-Ireland winner, is convinced the rule changes have elevated netminders to a position of unprecedented importance.

The new landscape has encouraged fresh tactical thinking, with some keepers - Tyrone's Niall Morgan chief among them - effectively operating as auxiliary attackers.

Others, like Mayo's Rob Hennelly, are more traditional in their positioning, rarely venturing far from goal.

Yet Hennelly has added a devastating weapon to his game.

Coaxed out of retirement by Mayo boss Andy Moran, the veteran goalkeeper was the county's top scorer in Sunday's win over Galway, finishing with 0-6 - including three two-pointers.

Remarkably, that single haul equalled Mayo's entire two-point return from last year's Championship.

For Small, it all underlines why the modern game increasingly revolves around the man with the gloves.

"In the new rules, the goalkeeper is the most important player," Small said.

"Kick-outs are such a weapon now. The whole dynamic of the game dictates that primary possession is crucial.