Curran returning to fitness ahead of schedule

DUBLIN defender Paul Curran, who missed the drawn All-Ireland SFC quarter-final meeting with Donegal through injury, is set to return to training later this week.

Curran, who won an All-Ireland medal with the captial in 1995, damaged his ankle 10 days ago, but is returning to fitness ahead of schedule and is set to quickly resume full work with the squad by the weekend.

The news is also positive regarding manager Tommy Lyons, who is expected to have recovered fully in time for the replay from his stomach complaints, which necessiated an overnight stay in the Blackrock Clinic. Selector Dave Billings revealed that the players were informed of Lyons’ absence on the evening before the game when the panel met for their customary pre-match get together.