Diarmuid Connolly thinks Dublin's bid for a seventh consecutive All-Ireland title will be built around their Raheny midfield duo.
The combination of Brian Fenton, 28, and Brian Howard, 24, could be key for the Dubs this season, according to county legend Connolly.
He said: “Dublin were missing a lot of guys last year, the likes of Brian Howard who was out for nearly the whole season with an injury and only came back for the All-Ireland final.
"He is a huge player for Dublin. I like James McCarthy at wing back, he is so strong there, but I’d love for the two Raheny club men to nail down a partnership in the middle of the field.
"Brian Howard sitting a little deeper and playing more of a defensive sweeper role. He has such a good foot pass and his tackling is ferocious.
“Then you have Brian Fenton. What can’t you say about the man!? He is up and down, kicking points, scoring goals and winning high balls in the middle of the field.
"He is just everywhere so I would love to see that partnership blossom this year.”
The Boylesports GAA ambassador also believes that Dublin's production line is still in great working order.
He added: “The Dublin squad is so strong, but you’re going to get something from left field.
"Club football here at the moment is very strong. Ballymun were so strong last year so I’d imagine a couple of those guys are going to come into the squad.
"We saw Robbie McDaid last year, when he got his chance you saw what happened. He was man of the match in an All-Ireland semi-final and got an All-Star nomination in his first season playing with the Dubs.”
“You just don’t know what is going to happen and that’s why we all love sport so much.
"I’m really looking forward to seeing a few of these guys, the likes of Sean Bugler, develop. He had a bit of a stop-start season. Paddy Small was the same.
"But the likes of John Small, first All-Star this year, has never lost a game with Dublin, the same with Brian Fenton, so I’m looking forward to seeing these guys develop and get stronger.”
