McCarthy a ‘great choice’ for Dubs

JAMES McCARTHY is a ‘great choice’ as Dublin captain, according to county legend Paul Curran. The 32-year-old veteran has been handed the captaincy role, succeeding Jonny Cooper, as Dublin set out on the journey to regain the All-Ireland title this weekend when they take on Wexford in Wexford Park. Since making his debut in 2011, the Ballymun man was seen as the natural successor to Stephen Cluxton as captain but instead the honour last season went to Cooper, but Curran claimed it was better late than never. ‘I think he’s a great choice,

I think it’s a surprise James hasn’t filled that role before this year. He’s a long time playing with the county and has been an excellent servant,’ said Curran. ‘What he’ll bring to it is what he brings to the actual game, he goes about his business in a very unassuming, under-theradar kind of way and lets his football do the talking. ‘I think he’ll lead that way, he won’t be kicking tables or having long speeches before matches, he’ll go and lead by example on the field.’ Meanwhile, Johnny Doyle insists Louth’s record against Kildare will not put off the Lilywhites on Sunday. Louth beat Kildare in 1991, 1995 and 2010 in the Leinster Championship as well as in a 2007 qualifier. ‘There is always apprehension,’ admitted ex-Kildare star Doyle, speaking yesterday at the launch of the Beko Club Champion Competition. ‘I suppose it comes from our playing days where Louth would have put us to the sword on a good few occasions when we thought we were in a good position so that is always at the back of our heads as well.’