By Paul Keane

If you're a Dublin football supporter, your one hope from Saturday evening's trip to Wexford, bar a win in the Leinster SFC of course, is probably to see Con O'Callaghan back in blue.

It's over eight months since the three-time All-Star last played for Dublin, in the 2021 All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Mayo at Croke Park.

He's been hampered by injuries since and while the exact nature of his ailments hasn't been confirmed by the Dublin management, former Dublin defender Paul Curran is in a position to shed some light on the attacker's situation.

Curran managed O'Callaghan's Cuala to the Dublin SFC 2 title last November and said the phenom forward was playing 'on one leg' for the concluding games of that campaign, nodding in agreement at the suggestion of a knee injury.

Separate reports earlier this year suggested King Con may have subsequently injured his ankle. What's certain, according to Curran, is that the five-time All-Ireland winner possesses the ability to inspire the struggling Sky Blues and to give them a vital lift following Allianz League relegation.

"I've been lucky enough to manage a couple of clubs and a lot of good players but Con stands above them all in terms of his footballing ability," said 1995 All-Ireland winner Curran, who also managed Ballymun Kickhams and Clann na nGael to senior county titles in Dublin and Roscommon.

"Con carried an injury I'd say for most of the year (in 2021). Certainly when he came back to us after the county finished. He had an injury and he played, we tried to manage it.

"He did play all our championship games, bar one I think. He was key to Cuala winning the Senior 2 championship. But he's had his break now, he's had a bit of surgery before Christmas, and seemingly he's back on the field three or four weeks.

"He could have played the Monaghan game but I think they decided to hold him. I think a fit, fresh - and obviously he's fresh because he's had a break, he hasn't had one of those in a long time, because it's been all go, between hurling and football - but I think you could be looking at a rejuvenated Con O'Callaghan which is good for us.

"He played the last two (club) championship games last year on one leg, didn't train much, just played the two games and in the two games, on one leg, I think he scored 2- or 3-19. That'll tell you how important he was for us and how important he can be for Dublin this year."

Curran is at pains not to underestimate that potential importance to a Dublin side that lost five out of seven league games.

"Oh there's no doubt about that, I think he could be a huge focal point for us in the Championship," nodded the former All-Star. "But we don't know too much, hopefully he's fit enough. He's been out of football now for a good few months. He looks after himself, he's naturally fit so he could be a massive spark for us."

Another Dublin star that Curran has managed at club level in the capital is James McCarthy, the man who looks set to wear the captain's armband against Wexford for Saturday's Leinster SFC quarter-final.

McCarthy has worn it in the past but never on a permanent basis and Curran, who steered McCarthy to an All-Ireland club final in 2013, reckons it was something of a no-brainer decision for the Dublin management.

"I think he's a great choice, I think it's a surprise that James hasn't filled that role before this year," he said. "He's a long time playing with the county and has been an excellent servant.

"What he'll bring to it is what he brings to the actual game on the pitch, he goes about his business in a very unassuming, very under the radar way and lets his football do the talking.

"I think he'll lead in that way. He won't be kicking tables or having long speeches before matches. He'll go and lead by example on the field."

The big question with the versatile McCarthy is where do you play him? The eight-time All-Ireland winner is perhaps most at home in the half-back line though he is a terrific option next to Brian Fenton at midfield.

"I would still prefer to see him in the half-back line but, you know, time has kind of moved on for James, he's still well able to move but I think he is slowing a little bit which is only natural," said Curran. "I think midfield is probably a better fit for him, with Brian Fenton. I think the two of them could complement each other. He's one of those players that could play anywhere from defence up to the two midfield places. I would actually expect to see him at midfield."

* The 2022 Leinster GAA Beko Club Champion is a competition to reward and celebrate local GAA club heroes who go above and beyond to help their local community and club. For more information visit leinstergaa.ie/beko-club-champion-2021