Pat Spillane has questioned Dessie Farrell’s wisdom in bringing Stephen Cluxton back into the Dublin fold, describing the surprise move as a ‘joke’.

The 41-year-old eight-time All-Ireland SFC winner made a sensational return to squad when he was named among the substitutes for last Sunday week's win over Louth, and was also on the bench for last Sunday's Division 2 final win over Derry at Croke Park.

But writing in his Sunday World column, Spillane believes Cluxton’s return has the potential to unsettle the Dubs.

“I imagine I wasn’t alone in thinking it was April Fool’s Day when news filtered through from Croke Park last Sunday that Stephen Cluxton was in the Dublin squad,” the Kerry great said.

“I know he is a superb leader and goalkeepers can operate well into their 40s these days. I know, too, this could be the most open All-Ireland Championship since 2010. So, it’s all about marginal gains.

“But I don’t see why Cluxton couldn’t just be added to the management team, where his expertise would be invaluable. Why embarrass the current goalkeepers Shane O’Hanlon and Evan Comerford – even if the latter is injured – by suddenly parachuting Cluxton back into the squad.

“And what kind of message is his return sending out to all the young goalkeepers who dream of making it into the Dublin squad?

“This could come back to haunt me before the end of the summer, but right now I regard Cluxton’s return as a joke.”

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