Midfielder Eamon Fennell is one of those players who is hoping to be named in the side. He says that it is his aim this year to play for the full 70 minutes in each Championship game.

"There is massive competition in training and we need it. We need that element of hard-hitting to get us ready for the game that's coming up on Sunday," said Fennell.

"It's been a four-week break since our last Championship match and everyone knows there's no fitness like Championship fitness.

"I'd love to be involved on Sunday and it's always my aim to start and finish every game. I think I have the fitness in me to last over 70 minutes, so it's just a matter of getting into the starting 15.

"I was lucky enough against Louth and I'd like to think I've done enough, but I'll just have to wait and see when Pat names the team tomorrow night."

A whole host of new young talent has come into the Dubs' senior squad recently, including All-Ireland Under-21 winner and AFL prospect Ciarán Kilkenny.

Fennell says it is great to have the youngster in the panel, adding: "Ciarán came in after his Leaving Cert and he has played two games.

"He has been really good in those games and I'm looking forward to seeing what he is like for the rest of the summer.

"We have a few other lads come in also, with Emmet Ó Conghaile, Jack McCaffrey and Kevin O'Brien involved, even Johnny Cooper.

"These lads have all won All-Irelands and they are great lads to bring up. It just makes our training games even tougher."