Dublin's full-back line has had somewhat of an unwanted spotlight thrust upon it during the Allianz Football League campaign.
In defeats to both Monaghan and Kerry in Division One, the five-in-a-row chasing All-Ireland Champions have been undone at the back with both opponents exploiting perceived weaknesses under the high ball to nab crucial goals at crucial times to earn crucial wins.
We suggested after the Monaghan defeat that since the departure of Rory O'Carroll from the squad after the success in 2015, that the Dubs had failed in finding a replacement for the Kilmacud Crokes man. The former DCU student's last match in the sky blue came on the grandest stage of all, at Croke Park against Kerry on final day in the September of that year. He would also represent Ireland that Autumn in the International Rules series in Australia.
But Jim Gavin may just have been thrown a lifeline in his pursuit to replace O'Carroll, just in time for Championship - and his name is Rory O'Carroll.
Paul Mannion had to pour water on a potential return to the Dublin panel for O'Carroll last September after he posted a picture of his fellow clubman and himself on Instagram with the caption, "He's back".
That was only a temporary to return to the homeland to attend a wedding, but the Irish Times are reporting this afternoon that O'Carroll flew back to Dublin at the weekend with a view to getting back into the groove with Crokes in their upcoming hurling and football campaigns.
The social worker has been in New Zealand since 2016 and has been turning out for Auckland based GAA club Marist Rangers in the meantime.
O'Carroll picked up an All-Star in the Dubs march to Sam in 2015, and plenty of fans will be hoping that the big full-back will be at least available for selection in the capital men's 'drive for five'.
