Rory O'Carroll's return is a 'big ask' for a 'massive' player that Dublin need, says Owen Mulligan.
O'Carroll last played senior inter-county football for the Dubs in the 2015 All-Ireland Final against Kerry, after which he spent four years living and working in New Zealand.
But the 29-year-old returned to Dublin permanently earlier this year and played for Kilmacud Corkes in both of their Dublin senior Football Championship games this month against Ballymun Kickhams and Na Fianna.
And the full-back was due to join his team-mates for a gym session on Monday and will be back out on the pitch later this week, according to the Irish Independent.
O'Carroll's recall has been anticipated since his return to the capital, as his specialist defensive and aerial skill-set are things Dublin never really replaced in their full-back line since he left.
Dublin repeatedly came unstuck against high-ball attacks in last year's Championship and in the League this year, but the Crokes' man's return shores up arguably the biggest hole in the side.
"He's a massive player," Mulligan told the Irish Daily Star.
"It's a big ask. He's still a presence in there. Obviously Jim sees that there is a problem in there at full-back and he has to plug the gap, it's a natural progression for him.
"He's a super player. Other teams were getting joy there, (Damien) Comer, Galway, in the league last year, (Cathal) McShane."
Massive boost for Dublin as Rory O'Carroll reportedly set for inter-county return
