James McCarthy is delighted to have put his groin problems behind him.

The Dublin star is back in full flow after undergoing surgery to fix an ongoing wear-and-tear condition that flared up due to his hectic club, county, college and country commitments.

"I was delighted to get the operation done in the end. When you first come back, you're still a bit worried because you still feel it a little bit. But touch wood, everything has been good the last few weeks," the 26-year-old tells The Irish Times.

"In fairness, the surgeon was very clear. Nearly to the day, when he said I'd be feeling good, I was feeling good again.

"You're not wrecking your stomach taking all sorts of painkillers and anti-inflammatories. And you're not in bits, for three or four days after matches. I can train every training session, as well.

McCarthy is surprised that holders Dublin have qualified for another national football league final. The Dubs face Cork in Sunday's Division One decider at Croke Park and victory would see Jim Gavin's side scoop a third successive title. For McCarthy, contesting the final is a welcome bonus:

"I think we are maybe a little bit surprised to be in the league final," the Ballymun Kickhams ace concedes. "It wasn't the main thing for us this year, although we still go out and try to win every game we can.

"But we've tried out a lot of players, fellas have come back from injuries, we're starting to come into it nicely now. So in that way it's been a great league for us. And getting another game on Sunday, four or five weeks out from the championship, is the main thing."

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