Sitting on the bench in Croke Park on big match days can be a frustrating existence, admits Dublin star Michael Fitzsimons, but days like the All-Ireland final replay victory over Mayo makes up for it.

The Cuala clubman understands the disappointment that comes with failing to make the starting 15 having been named amongst the Dublin substitutes more often than not this year but the team always comes first.

"The great thing is that no-one throws….you can't really tell when somebody is p***ed off in training, which is the best way to be," he outlined The Irish Independent.

"Like, Bernard [Brogan] wasn't in the team for the replay and he was the most positive man in training.

"And that's indicative of the man. He started all the way up and then, the first game that he's dropped is the final. You could have seen that on his face or in his demeanour but you didn't. And that's massive for every training session.

"Because little things like that can make an impact. You can definitely tell if someone is p***ed off and if they're sulking or they're not giving 100 per cent. I didn't want to be that person."

Fitzsimons' perseverance was rewarded in the replay victory over Mayo when he put in a 'man-of-the-match' performance.

"When you find out you're not in it's tough but the games you play, like the final, makes it all worthwhile."

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