"I probably will end up going back alright. I will. We haven't had any contact since the All-Ireland final and, I suppose, like all players, you are waiting for that phone call to see what's going on," he told the Irish Examiner.

"If Declan rings, I will be happy enough to throw my hat in the ring."

There had been speculation that Cummins might decide to retire and call time on a stellar inter-county career which has included two All-Irelands, four Munster and three National League titles and five All-Star awards.

But the Ballybacon-Grange clubman, who has bypassed Christy Ring as the Championship appearances record holder, remains a superb shot stopper and maintains a high level of fitness.

"I try to be as fit as everybody else in there. In the goals, flexibility is a key thing and unless you are fit you are not going to be able to reach places that the ball is going quick enough, especially these days because the ball is going so fast."