Former Mayo star Lee Keegan feels Con O’Callaghan’s availability could be the difference for Dublin in Sunday’s All-Ireland SFC showdown against Galway (4pm).

The Cuala forward limped off during extra time as the Dubs defeated Donegal by 1-26 to 1-22 at Croke Park last Sunday to progress into the last eight.

Writing in his column for RTE Sport, Keegan says it will be “advantage Galway” if O’Callaghan is not fit for this weekend’s game at HQ.

“Dublin come into the game suddenly with huge momentum but I think it all hinges on the availability of Con O'Callaghan,” wrote the five-time All-Star.

“With him, I think they can win. Without him, it's advantage Galway.

“Peadar Ó Cofaigh Byrne could have a major say. He had a massive game in Salthill last summer against a much vaunted Galway middle third. He was back close to those levels against Donegal and they devoured their kickout last Sunday. Galway have had their struggles in that area and have been chopping and changing goalkeepers on a regular basis.

“You'd have to query whether Galway have been tested since the Connacht final. They swatted aside a Kildare team who don't really belong in the Sam Maguire competition and then won more comfortably against Westmeath than the scoreline suggested, and even then they made it more nervy for themselves in the closing minutes than it needed to be.

“Their last experience of Croke Park was not a happy one against Meath at this stage last year. And the seasons are ticking by for this generation to make an impact. I'd expect a close one - but we'll have to see the team-sheet and whether a certain No. 14 from Cuala is involved.”

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