‘Dublin won’t win without Alan’

Former Dublin footballer Shane Ryan has reiterated Alan Brogan’s importance to the current crop by claiming they will not retain the All-Ireland title this year unless the 2011 Player of the Year is fully fit.

Brogan missed the All-Ireland quarter-final win against Laois as a result of the groin injury, which forced him off in the first half of the Leinster final victory over Meath, but has participated in a handful of training sessions in the last week.

Manager Pat Gilroy declared himself “fairly confident” the All Star forward would be fit and available for this Sunday’s All-Ireland semi-final against Mayo, although it should be noted he was named for the Laois game and subsequently played no part.