Goalkeeper Alan Nolan is puzzled by the decision to axe him from the Dublin senior hurling squad.

Along with Simon Lambert, the 30-year-old has been informed by Ger Cunningham that he is surplus to requirements for 2016 and, speaking to The Irish Daily Star, he admitted the news came as a "huge blow" to him.

"I played the entire National League campaign in 2015, and also in the two Leinster Championship games against Galway but lost my place after that," the St Brigid's clubman remarked.

"I played no further part in the Championship but did make the recent trip to Boston for the Fenway Hurling Classic against Galway.

"On that matter, I wish to clarify that this decision to let me go is not related in any way to disciplinary matters arising from that game, as Ger probably had made up his mind that I was surplus to requirements before the trip to the US.

"I'm also disappointed that my name was singled out in the media from the 22 players involved in the so-called Boston brawl.

"However, what's even more disappointing was learning that I will not be involved with the Dublin team next year.

"I'm more annoyed that anything else. I understand that panels change, that's part of hurling. I'm not the first person to be dropped and I won't be the last. But having given 10 years of service to the Dublin team, it all to be undone like this is frustrating.

"I made my debut in 2006 but had to work desperately hard to break into the Championship team.

"When I did, I derived huge personal satisfaction from the season I had in 2014, when I got the chance to express myself.

"Being nominated for an All Star was a lovely bonus at the end of the year and I was eager to build on that.

"I felt I did well this year but to be now be cut adrift essentially going from number one to nowhere, has come as a huge blow and I find it puzzling."

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