Cahill to return from injury for Dubs

Dublin defender Barry Cahill is set to make a comeback for the Metropolitans this Friday night, when they face Division 4 league leaders Antrim at Innisfalls in a challenge match.

Cahill has been dogged with injury this season but took in some light training with his club last Saturday morning in a bid to ease him back into action.

The St Brigid's player is happy with his progress and expects to play an active role against the Saffrons in Friday's match.

"Some of the lads that didn't get much of a run in the last few weeks will be playing and anyone coming back from injury," Cahill said.

He is also confident that talented midfielder Ciaran Whelan will be making a return to the Dublin side, during this game, which he expects will be a tough encounter.

"I think Ciaran Whelan is going to be playing as well also.

"Antrim are going well up North so it should be a good test for us. It gives the likes of myself and other lads game time as well as a few of the other lads who will be trying to break into the team as well. It will be a good opportunity for them to show the management team what they can do."

Although his progress for a return to action has been going well to date, Cahill is reminded that the Dublin half-back line is always one keenly contested for places.

"Over the last number of years Dublin have always been strong in the half-back line, when Paul Curran was playing there and then the likes of Peadar Andrews and lads like that.

"With ourselves there are a couple of lads like Ger Brennan who will be staking a claim for a place and then if they decide to bring Bryan Cullen back into the half-back line.

"It is very competitive, but in general there are a lot of places up for grabs, no one is really certain of their place and it is up to lads when they do get an opportunity, and they do get the jersey – to try and hang on to it as best as possible."

Cahill believes that, although Dublin have gone unbeaten in both the O'Byrne Cup and league so far this year, some lessons still need to be learned.

They overcame Cavan at a wet Breffni Park on Saturday night, but the 26-year-old feels there is still much to be offered by the current Dublin crop.

"I think there is definitely room for improvement there. Some lads maybe still working on their fitness and 'Pillar' is still trying to blood a couple of players as well.

"There's also the likes of Ciaran Whelan to come into the team also.

"It's all going well so far but having said that I suppose we probably haven't played any of the top teams in the country yet. The next day against Monaghan we will be definitely coming up against better opposition and that will be a harder test for ourselves."