Dublin to appeal Mick Fitz red card

The Cuala defender was issued a straight red card late on in Dublin's four-point win by referee Paddy Neilan for a mistimed challenge on Aidan O'Shea, forcing Dublin to play the closing minutes with 14 men.

Fitzsimons was caught out by a dummy solo by O'Shea, having already committed to a block, although the Roscommon official deemed his feet-first tackle worthy of a straight red, a contention Dublin are now set to contest.

Fitzsimons has been hit with a one match suspension, an automatic sanction for a red card.

However, Dublin will request a hearing in a bid to free the 2016 All Star for next Saturday's Croke Park clash with Kerry.

Video evidence of the incident suggests Fitzsimons's attempted challenge was clumsy rather than malicious and he stands a strong chance of featuring against Kerry.

Acquitted

Otherwise, Gavin may call on Cian O'Sullivan to start his first match of the season after a couple of useful cameos from reserve.

O'Sullivan came on after just 44 minutes in Castlebar for John Small and acquitted himself well.

He has played at full-back under Gavin in the past, although Philly McMahon - an unused sub against Mayo - is also an option.

Suspensions aside, Gavin's chief injury worry is over Paul Mannion, who damaged his hamstring on Saturday night.

An early goal-scorer, Mannion left the pitch after just 44 minutes and was replaced by Colm Basquel.