Brogan: We aren't fixated on opponents

Bernard Brogan says that Dublin's focus is very much on their own game as they wait to find out their All-Ireland quarter-final opponents.

Beaten Connacht finalists Roscommon and Ulster heavyweights Tyrone meet in their delayed qualifier this weekend, with the winners playing Dublin on Saturday, August 6.

The quarter-final hurdle has proved a difficult one for the Dubs in previous years. The heartbreak of double defeats to Kerry (2004 and 2009) and Tyrone (2005 and 2008) is still fresh for some.

Pat Gilroy's men gained revenge on Tyrone at the same stage of last year's Championship, but his class of 2011 have yet to hit their stride despite their latest Leinster title success.

Writing in his Vodafone 'Dub Hub' blog, Brogan explained that they will use the extra week to their advantage and not get hung up on who they are facing.

"The extra week means our injured lads, Philly McMahon, Michael Darragh Macauley and Eoghan O'Gara, have extra time to recover and we have more time to prepare," he said.

"I think it's a sign of the maturity of this Dublin team that we aren't fixated on who the opposition will be because we know that what's most important is what we do and what way we perform - that's the only thing we can control."

Brogan and his team-mates reached the last-four in 2010 before being edged out by eventual champions Cork. The way the draw pans out this time around, if they win their quarter-final tie they will clash with either Kildare or Ulster champions Donegal.

Whatever way the campaign pans out, Brogan would much prefer a Championship structure whereby a team's path is mapped out for them rather than having to wait on a Sunday evening draw.

"I think it is a flaw in the GAA system that teams have to wait on a draw to know who they are playing and can only have a week to deal with it," he said.

"In big soccer and rugby competitions the pathway to the final is mapped out from the very beginning and I definitely think it's something the GAA could look at."

Tyrone are favoured to come through Saturday afternoon's clash at Croke Park, and are priced at 2/11 in some quarters. Brogan does not feel it is so clear cut.

"I think it's a very difficult game to call. Roscommon are making serious strides with a strong young team and I know Cathal Cregg, Donie Shine and David Keenan from our time in DCU and I rate them highly.

"The trouble for them is they are up against a Tyrone team full of experience and guile and all the foolish talk about them being finished is like oxygen to them.

"I remember in 2008 people said Tyrone were finished then too and they hammered us in a quarter-final and won the All-Ireland, so I wouldn't write them off."