NO 1 BATTLE FOR ALL STAR

WORKING off the precedent that winning teams get the tight calls, the victorious side this afternoon will probably end the year with the All Star goalkeeper.

David Clarke and Stephen Cluxton are obviously the best two in the country, but their differing qualities brings into fascinating focus the changing role demanded of keepers.

Clarke (right) is the more orthodox, a brilliant saver of shots on goal who kept Mayo alive, in the qualifiers in particular. Cluxton is, as is now widely recognised, the best goalkeeper to play the game and one of the most influential footballers of all time.

His ability to deploy his array of kick-outs could be decisive today, given Mayo’s likely determination to shut down the option of short restarts.

Given that Dublin’s progress through Leinster is as challenging as an afternoon picking blackberries, and that the myth of northern football was finally dispelled by the weak-kneed resistance offered by Monaghan and Tyrone when they confronted the champions last month, Cluxton is yet to be rigorously tested this season.

Clarke has, conversely, helped keep Mayo relevant, and is the more obvious All Star this morning. Seventy minutes on final day are as influential as an entire season, however, and should Dublin win, Cluxton’s role in the victory and consequently his claims on an All Star will be difficult to ignore.