"There is a gap for someone to play midfield with Brian Fenton"

May 25, 2021

Dublin's Brian Fenton with Brian Stack of Roscommon. ©INPHO/James Crombie.

Former Dublin attacker Paddy Andrew says the All-Ireland champions still have a void to fill with regards to finding a midfield partner for Brian Fenton.

Tom Lahiff did put in a solid performance against Kerry last Sunday before being withdrawn after 47 minutes of the drawn encounter between the big hitters in Thurles.

However, Andrews isn’t sure if the Dubs have found a replacement for Michael Darragh McAuley to go alongside Fenton in a more defensive role.

“It is hard to know (who to partner with Fenton),” Andrews told Off The Ball. “That is the Dublin team; you can probably name 12 or 13 of their starters straight off the bat.

“There is a gap for someone to play midfield with Brian Fenton, particularly with Michael Darragh MacAuley stepping away.

“James McCarthy has gone in there and played in the past; he is probably more comfortable playing in the half backline as well. There does seem to be a spot beside Fenton.”

He added: “Ultimately, if you are Dublin, you want Brian Fenton roaring forward. He is scoring three or four points a game. Whoever plays in that role beside him has got to be more of a defensive style of player.”


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