Andrews says Dubs can handle star exits

DUBLIN forward Paddy Andrews has insisted that the reigning All-Ireland champions have enough quality to cope with the losses of Rory O’Carroll and Jack McCaffrey. The duo have both opted out of selection for the year due to work commitments, but Andrews is confident that Jim Gavin has built a squad that will be able to deal with the double loss. ‘It’s not as dependent on the individuals. Rory and Jack are fantastic players, everyone knows that, but we’re not overly reliant on one guy doing one job,’ he said. ‘Everyone in the group, the 34/35 guys that are still there know how we want to play, they know what works for our team, they know what doesn’t work. If someone steps out, another lad can step in and you’ve probably seen that even in the five games to date in the League, whereas I think we’ve made changes pretty much for every game and our performance hasn’t really dropped off. Everyone knows what’s expected of them so it’s not overly reliant on any individual, as good as players they are. I think we’re well placed to absorb the losses.’ The St Brigid’s clubman (above) added that there are no hard feelings in the Dublin camp towards the pair, but warned that the issue may be one the GAA could find difficult to deal with over the coming years. ‘Ultimately, it lies with the individual. If they’re not enjoying their football, or there’s work or family commitments, or they just feel they can’t do it, then it’s going to fall on the individual. What can the GAA really do to combat that? I’m not sure. ‘I enjoy it, guys enjoy it, that’s why we do it, why we play GAA from whatever, eight or nine years of age. The opportunity to play for your county in Croke Park and that is fantastic but if other guys want to try out other options there’s not really a whole lot the GAA can do, if the guy makes up his mind.’