The next Dublin scoring sensation might just be arriving right on cue.
Con O’Callaghan smashing his way into the senior team with a terrific showing in 2017 was the last case of of emerging talent for the inside line - not that it appears to be a problem just now as Dublin move relentlessly towards the five-in-a-row.
But step forward Ciaran Archer, who has hit a whopping 8-30 in four games for Dublin under-20s en route to this afternoon’s EirGrid All-Ireland final against Cork at O’Moore Park.
“He’s only 18 or 19, has a fantastic interest in getting better as a footballer, very curious, very ambitious, and very determined,” says Dublin under-20 manager Tom Gray.
“But he’s a young man and he’s been lucky enough in that up until this year there’s been no hype and so on.
“It’s a bloody difficult thing to get into the Dublin senior forward line.
"Conor McHugh was the under-21 player of the year in 2014, Aaron Byrne, both club-mates of mine, he was under-21 player of the year in 2017, and neither of them are playing for Dublin this weekend.
“I think Conor is in the extended squad, and Aaron just hasn’t made it yet, and he’s now 23.
“So it’s something we’d been keen to protect as far as possible, to enable him develop as a footballer in his own time,” added Gray, who pointed out that Archer is also a talented soccer player who spent time with Yeovil Town.
He’s still eligible for the grade next year though footballers are not permitted to play in the Championship for both under-20 and senior teams concurrently.
Gray would happily wave Archer off if he’s called up by Jim Gavin next year.
“Well that’s Jim’s call, I wouldn’t choose to under- stand what’s going on in Jim’s mind. In fairness to Jim, he’s shown over the years that anyone good enough is young enough.
“So as long as these guys continue to improve, show good form, whether it’s Ciaran or anyone else, I’ve no doubt Jim will give them their chance.
“Ultimately this is a development squad, to get players prepared to play senior football, so if you’re deemed good enough to play, then off you go.”
