Dublin's David Byrne is proof that surgery on ACL tear isn't always necessary 

"There are a few studies coming out recently that say actually if you go for the non-operative route, the outcomes can actually be better," said Byrne.

NO SURGERY KNEEDED: David Byrne went down the non-operation route with his knee recovery. Photo by Sam Barnes/Sportsfile

A test case? All-Ireland winning Dublin defender David Byrne isn't sure if that's entirely accurate but his fitness, and more specifically his dodgy knee, will be closely monitored by his peers in the coming months and seasons.

The 29-year-old suffered an ACL tear after the 2022 National League campaign though opted to go down 'the non-surgical route' and was back playing two months later.