Bernard Brogan says Jim Gavin was right to take him off during last month's Allianz Football League final.

The former Footballer of the Year was subbed with 12 minutes remaining against Tyrone, with his replacement Dean Rock landing two late points to secure a first title for the Dubs in 20 years.

"You can't have your way every day. I was well marshalled on the day. The lads were tight enough so you just have to put your hands up and Jim knows that," Brogan told the Irish Examiner at the launch of the Red Bull Cúl 5 five-a-side Gaelic football competition yesterday.

"And in fairness, Jim made the change and Dean Rock was the change and he was the winning of the game. He got two great scores. That's what you want.

"You need to have a manager who has the confidence to make a change and make the call. So no, it's a team game and we won the league. There have been times when lads have been left on in the past and things haven't gone our way. So if somebody can come on and make a difference, that's what you want."

Bernard revealed that his older brother Alan has only just returned to training after missing the entire Allianz League with a groin injury.

"He's back moving on the pitch," he explained.

"He's back doing a bit so we're hoping to see him as soon as possible. Obviously we want to make sure that he's right but, yeah, he's back.

"It's obviously frustrating for him. It's been a long lay-off and in fairness he's a guy who can show up on any Sunday and turn it around. He doesn't need to have six months of training in him before he's right, he's just one of these natural freaks of footballers. He's back moving and moving quite freely. Hopefully he'll be back soon enough." Tweet

Most Read Stories