Moran earmarked for June return

New Dublin captain Collie Moran's long-awaited return from a groin operation has been put back to June.

The Ballyboden star has been out of competitive football since representing Leinster in last November's inter-provincial final defeat of Ulster. He underwent surgery on his groin before Christmas, but his recovery is taking longer than expected.

Moran is certain to miss the Dubs' remaining NFL outing against Kerry next weekend in favour of preparing himself for the Leinster SFC quarter-final against Longford on June 4.

Moran admitted: "With the Dublin club championship starting in three to four weeks, I would hope to be back for that.”

Last year's skipper Paddy Christie and Na Fianna forward Senan Connell are also on the treatment table, with Christie on the cusp of being available for the Kerry game.