Gold, silver or bronze? Do ‘old boys’ match value of newbies?

Bernard Brogan

His desire to play the league opener against Kildare illustrated that he still possessed a ravenous hunger – and wanted to prove to Gavin that he had plenty left to give. That is what made the cruciate injury more upsetting. The former Footballer of the Year turns 34 this month and there remains doubts as to whether he will return at full pelt Summer value: Bronze standard

Paul Flynn

The four-time All-Star won’t be available to Gavin until the start of the championship after recently under-going minor back surgery. It is just the latest in a long litany of injuries for the Swords native. He sat out 10 weeks of last summer with a calf injury. For a player who depends on his athleticism, the knocks are taking their toll. Summer value: Silver standard

Diarmuid Connolly

His mysterious absence over the spring has simply added to the enigma that surrounds Dublin’s most extravagantly talented footballer. Even if Connolly has never had the consistency of performance to match his rare gifts, he still turned the All-Ireland final in his side’s favour last year when sprang from the bench. Not a talent to discard easily. Summer value: Silver standard

Stephen Cluxton

It is no coincidence that he has been missing for Dublin’s run of two games without a win. In the past 16 seasons, Cluxton has missed a single championship game – the 2004 Leinster semifinal against Westmeath – and they lost that too. He remains Dublin’s most important player. Summer value: Gold standard

Kevin McManamon

He was the other sub who changed the complexion of last year’s All-Ireland final. Also been missing in action this spring, but that was due to his sports psychology work with the Irish boxing team. His direct running means he will always pose a threat from the bench, but others might have passed him in the pecking order. Summer value: Bronze standard

Cian O’Sullivan

His form may have slipped from the heights of 2015, but at his best O’Sullivan is still the most complete sweeper in the game. His positional sense alone means there will be a hole in the defence as he recovers from the nasty shoulder injury suffered against Kerry. Brings certainty to Dublin’s spine and that’s why Gavin needs him back. Summer value; Gold standard

Evan Comerford

It’s a tough station being Cluxton’s understudy. Just ask Michael Savage or Shane Supple. It is almost impossible to get game-time. For the young Ballymun man, he at least got two matches this spring and played well in them. He is learning from the greatest goalkeeper of all time and that will stand to Dublin for years to come. Summer value: Bronze standard

Eric Lowndes

Following Dublin’s win over Monaghan in last year’s All-Ireland quarterfinal, Jim Gavin singled out Lowndes for praise, claiming that he had an exceptional season. Then, he was promptly dropped to the bench against Tyrone. Lowndes, from St Peregrine’s in Blanchardstown, has a bulging medal collection already and the versatile star has pressed his case to be a concrete part of the defence this spring. Summer value: Bronze standard

Brian Howard

If Flynn’s powers are fading, it seems like Gavin has discovered a readymade replacement in Raheny. Howard promised big things with some stellar displays for the under-21s last year and has slotted seamlessly into the senior side. Physical with fine aerial ability, Howard also has an eye for a score. Remind you of anyone? Summer value: Silver standard

Colm Basquel

Paul Clarke earmarked Basquel as Dublin’s breakthrough star during the O’Byrne Cup campaign and he made good on that promise, scoring 1-2 off the bench against Tyrone in Omagh. He came on to replace Kevin McManamon against Monaghan last week, and he may have just nudged ahead of the St Jude’s man in the pecking order. Summer value: Silver standard

Niall Scully

He has been flitting around the fringes of the squad for the past couple of seasons and did well in a number of auditions in last year’s league season. This spring he established himself even further, helping himself to 2-8 and growing more confident in his role as a hard-working wingforward. Summer value: Silver standard

Con O’Callaghan

Okay, he’s not strictly a new boy, given that he is the reigning Young Footballer of the Year and his remarkable 2017 was the story of the GAA season. But O’Callaghan won’t have the element of surprise this year and faces the dreaded second season syndrome. He won’t get the same space this summer so it will be fascinating to see how he reacts. Summer value: Gold standard