KERRY MADE TO MEASURE

Brogan sizing up Kingdom as he hopes Dubs are on collision course with old rivals

PLAYING All-ireland favourites Kerry could spark a Dublin revival this summer, reckons Alan Brogan.

However, the former Blues star feels that if the Dubs stumble again in the Championship, Dessie Farrell is safe in the hot-seat for the time being.

Defeat to Mayo in last year’s All-ireland semi-final was followed by relegation from Division 1 and Brogan, a three-time Celtic Cross winner, claims there is a “realism” about where Dublin are at present.

“There’s an acceptance that so much experience has disappeared out the back door, there has to be a bit of a rebuilding period,” he said.

“If you look at underage, Dublin probably haven’t been that successful over the last number of years.

“So there’s a sense of realism among Dublin people that we’ve had it so good for a number of years and just have to accept that there might be a couple of quiet years where Dessie has to rebuild the team. “He’ll be given the time to do that. “Dessie will be afforded a year or two where maybe not winning the All-ireland will be accepted if he’s moving the thing along, if some young guys are making a breakthrough.”

However, Brogan would love to see the Dubs go up against arch rivals

Kerry, who solidified their credentials with their latest

League title success earlier this month.

“Playing Kerry is a big thing,” said the 40-year-old. “Kerry are the Championship favourites off the back of their National League form.

“I certainly hope at some stage that we see Dublin against Kerry – it will be whoever wins that game could go on to win the All-ireland.

“There’s no panic yet. Form hasn’t been great in the League but you’d certainly expect this Dublin team, even with the problems they’ve had, would be reaching an All-ireland semi-final, All-ireland final.

“The personnel are still there.” Dublin begin their Championship push in Wexford tomorrow evening. It was the same last year, when an unconvincing display set the tone for their summer.

Brogan (inset) stresses that Dublin need close encounters in Leinster to galvanise them.

“Dublin will have to show a certain amount of grit, fight and self-belief.

“That’s what brings a team closer together, when you have to go into the trenches with each other and dig it out.

“I’d be hoping that questions are asked – it will stand to Dublin if they can get good games going into the All-ireland Championship.”