Bernard Brogan says his recovery from his cruciate ligament injury is progressing quicker than expected and he has hopes of returning in time for the end of the Super 8s this summer.
The 34-year old former Footballer of the Year suffered a cruciate ligament injury in a training session in February and underwent surgery later that month.
It was initially feared that Brogan's Dublin career might be at an end but the five-time All-Ireland winner has since signalled his determination to get back in the squad and now says his recovery is going exceptionally well.
He told RTÉ Sport that he hasn't given up hope of seeing action in this year's championship and is aiming to get back before the end of the Super 8s - assuming Dublin get there.
"I had the operation about three and a half months ago. The good news is I'm on the recovery. Three and a half months in, I'm back doing a lot of weights, back in the gym.
"So, I'm actually moving through the gears faster than I thought I'd be, which is good. My main aim is to get back on the side of the pitch with the lads and start doing a bit of running there.
"I haven't given up hope on a return this summer in August. I very much haven't ruled it out yet.
"I'm hoping to get back in six months. With the medical team I have, I have the best of everything... So, as long as the guys keep us going in the summer, I'm hoping to be back at some stage.
"My aim is to try and get back for August, for in and around the Super 8s, or the end of the Super 8s. That's my target, that's the carrot that I have in front of me.
"There's a long way to go. lot of work to do. But I think I have the ability, the mindset and that positive outlook which really which helps."
Neither Brogan nor Diarmuid Connolly - both five-time All-Ireland winners - have appeared much for the Dubs this year, albeit for different reasons.
Brogan says he hopes to see Connolly return to the panel at some stage.
"With Diarmuid (Connolly), it's great to see him back playing for Vincent's. He was playing hurling there a couple of weeks ago in the championship. No, I think he's taking a bit of time for himself and we're hoping to see him back in blue at some stage."
Next up for Dublin is the Leinster semi-final against Longford on 10 June.
The Dublin forward said: "I think Longford have shown some good stuff over the year. I definitely think the lads are doing the homework. They'll take Longford with full respect and they'll do their homework as if it's the All-Ireland final. That's the way it's worked before. Dublin will continue to use their processes that have worked over the last number of years.
"Last year, we had some really tough challenges from Carlow in the early days and they went on to show, and are showing again, some great form. Longford have done the same so the lads will be prepared and ready and hopefully they'll get over the line."
