Few men not in the final can be sure of their star

BEING asked to select the All Stars for the season, the day before the All-Ireland final is a dangerous business.

A lot has to be played for yet.

History has shown us that a minimum of eight (Cork and Down shared only eight gongs between them last season) of the 2011 All Stars will come from tomorrow’s showdown.

So unless you have been exceptional in previous games, such as perhaps Karl Lacey, you will be on tender-hooks to see if your gong will go to Dublin or Kerry based on tomorrow’s performances.

It is impossible to look past either Brendan Kealy or Stephen Cluxton for goalkeeper. It is a tight call. I would go for Cluxton as he is supremely talented and experienced. His kick-outs are superb while he has scored crucial frees and 45s all year. Kealy has had a fine season, but Cluxton is a better netminder.

Unless Marc Ó Sé gets riddled by Brogan crossfire he has one in the bag to add to his two from 2006 and 07. Donegal’s Neil McGee was critical to their first Ulster success since 1992 and he was also immense against Kildare, so he is in. Kildare deserve something too for their efforts and it is a toss-up between Hugh McGrillen and Michael Foley. McGrillen gets it for his never-say-die attitude and his few fantastic scores.

Tomás Ó Sé was outstanding when he had to be against Mayo and his leadership and composure on the ball would see him selected.

Lacey has centre-back tied up and his display in the extra-time epic with Kildare has to be the stand-out display of the season so far. Wing-back is between Kevin Cassidy, Emmet Bolton and Kevin Nolan. Dublin merit at least one defender, so Nolan it is.

It has not been a spectacular year for midfielders. Tactics have played their part in that too. Bryan Sheehan has done enough to get the nod. His partner is not easy to find. Alan O’Connor today. Micheal Dara McCauley on Monday?

Up front Alan Brogan’s claims are impossible to ignore. Mayo’s Andy Moran had a fine season too and while Connacht is in the doldrums, a provincial title still holds some sway and they did defeat Cork. The two O’Sullivans, Darran and Declan have been impressive.

Who has been better? Paul Flynn has been immense for Dublin at wing-forward and for the last spot I would plug for Colm Cooper ahead of Bernard Brogan. What he did against Mayo was magical.