Spring scrapping will sort out Kerry wannabes

The reason Dublin remain undisputed No 1 in football’s spring power rankings? Because at a stage of the season when other squads are in various states of dishevelment, the All-Ireland champions have better numbers through 16-30 than anyone else. And that matters.

Eamonn Fitzmaurice will take succour from the fact that when he gets players off injured reserve, up to speed, and back from Kerry U21 duty, his 30-man squad will compare favourably with most others.

For the moment though, the trick is nipping and tucking his way to as many Allianz League points as possible. How’s he doing so far? Not good in terms of points on the board. In terms of project players for the summer ahead? Well, tomorrow in Newry might help to inform that process.