Heslin Westmeath return a 'no-brainer', says Connaughton
Leinster medal winner with Westmeath and former All-Star goalkeeper Gary Connaughton says it was a no-brainer for Mark McHugh to bring John Heslin back into the squad for Sunday's Leinster final.
St Loman’s attacking ace Heslin retired from inter-county football last year having made his debut in 2011.
He returned to the squad only days after Westmeath beat Kildare in the provincial semi-final.
And Connaughton says that even if there were no injuries within the camp, Heslin should have been called back in regardless.
"It’s a huge disappointment to see Luke Loughlin ruled out for the season – he is a brilliant footballer and scored six points and led the line against Meath.
"Matthew Whitaker is another very influential player and he missed out against Meath and only came on against Kildare in extra-time and there is still no word on what role he could play on Sunday.
"Johnny Lynam also picked up a knock and so did a few more lads so it was a no-brainer for Mark McHugh to bring in John.
"He is still one of the best in the county and his club league form has been top class. The way he was playing, I think he scored 2-12 in a game a few weeks ago, he could have been called back in any way, so it is definitely a good boost.
"The current players know we have only won one Leinster in the history of Westmeath GAA and they will want to give themselves the best chance of winning a second. If John comes in he will make a difference and when you have players like him, you have to have him in there."
Connaughton described Westmeath’s three championship wins this season as 'outstanding’.
"We hadn’t a great year last year, relegation in the league and we lost the quarter-final of the Tailteann Cup. There was no expectation with this team but Mark wanted the job and the players wanted him.
"He’s pushed standards to the last - they are now very confident and fit and their transition from defence to attack is super.
Shane Corcoran of Westmeath (r) during the semi-final win against Kildare
"Lads like Danny Scahill, Brandon Kelly and Shane Corcoran have made their mark and Sunday is a big occasion for them, their families and clubs.
"The pace of them now is the thing. Mark has done a phenomenal job and they are managing games well, defending great around the arc and crowding opposition teams. The Meath game has really brought them on."
Connaughton says that a good start on Sunday will be key.
"We will always be underdogs against Dublin with a huge pick numbers wise and All-Ireland winners in the team but our confidence is up.
"This team has been written off against Meath and Kildare and I think they have a great chance on Sunday if they handle the occasion and settle in.
"If the Dubs get an early lead they won’t ease off, but if it’s a tight game we are in with a great chance."
Watch Dublin v Westmeath in the Leinster Football final (2pm) and Armagh v Monaghan in the Ulster Football final (4.15pm) on Sunday from 1.30pm on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player. Follow our live blog on RTÉ.ie/sport and RTÉ News app and listen to Sunday Sport on RTÉ Radio 1
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