After Con O'Callaghan's dominant display for Dublin against Roscommon, Cora Staunton was quick to hail the influence of the Cuala clubman, stating that alongside David Clifford and Shane McGuigan he is among the top three forwards in the country at the moment.
O'Callaghan knocked over seven points as the Dubs recorded their first league win of this campaign at GAA HQ on Saturday evening. The 27-year-old was the curiously wearing number nine but was stationed close to Roscommon's goal at full-forward - and he certainly made his presence felt in that advanced position.
For Staunton, there is no argument as to where O'Callaghan should play. Speaking on Allianz League Sunday, the four-time All-Ireland winner said: "All the chat during the week was that he would line out at No 9, so would he play in midfield.
"There is only one position for Con O'Callaghan [full-forward]; he was on fire. He's so important to Dublin. In my opinion, himself, David Clifford and Shane McGuigan are the top three forwards at the moment."
"There's only one position for Con O'Callaghan... he was on fire yesterday."
— The Sunday Game (@TheSundayGame) February 18, 2024
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And while O'Callaghan wasn't often isolated against the Rossies, Staunton still believes the Dubs will get a lot of joy this season from having him wearing the No 14 jersey.
"His balance on both sides is brilliant. Everything that Dublin did well against Roscommon went through Con; he had a great battle with Brian Stack. His movement is the thing; he goes one way and comes back the other way.
"For Dublin to have a very successful year he is going to be key for them. His best position, by a long shot, is in full-forward.
"I love the way he goes about and plays his football. He's in the top three footballers, in my opinion, at the moment."
