Dubs boss Gavin wary of Wee threat

They are hot favourites with the bookmakers, have won their last two championship games by margins of 23 points and 15 points, and the county has won two of the last three provincial titles in this grade.

But Dublin U21 football boss Jim Gavin isn’t complacent ahead of tonight’s Leinster final against Louth in Páirc Tailteann, at 7.30pm.

“Any of that stuff is really outside of our sphere of influence,” says Gavin. “Having looked closely now at Louth, I feel that they are a very accomplished side, with players like Shane O’Hanlon and Eoin O’Connor at midfield, and William Woods in attack.

“Louth have come through a very tough side of the draw, defeating a fancied Offaly team who had beaten highly-rated sides in Kildare and Meath. It’s a final and a two-horse race which is going to be a battle. Our lads are an ambitious group of players and I haven’t sensed any complacency amongst them. They will be taking this game very seriously.”

Dublin have an injury concern in midfielder Conor Walsh who damaged his hip in the semi-final win over Westmeath and is doubtful for tonight’s game in Navan. Still Dublin have been playing outstanding football, with minor stars like Jack McCaffrey and Ciaran Kilkenny complementing the experience of Paul Hudson and Gary Sweeney.

Passing their opening round assignment away to reigning champions Wexford set the tone for their campaign.

There is also U21 football action in Ulster tonight as the provincial championship reaches the semi-final stage. The clash of Down and Tyrone in Casement Park at 8pm will evoke memories of the thrilling three-game saga between them in last year’s championship.

The other semi-final tie takes place between Derry and Cavan in Brewster Park at 8pm.