Cormac Costello not disillusioned by substitute role

Dublin footballer Cormac Costello said he is not overly frustrated by being overlooked for a starting place.

The Whitehall Colmcille star has been lethal from the bench in recent times for Dublin, turning the 2016 All-Ireland final replay on its head and raising the tempo throughout 2018 when introduced.

There were calls for his inclusion this season after he scored seven points against Roscommon, and three off the bench in the semi-final win over Galway. However, Jim Gavin elected to keep him as an impact sub.

"Every footballer wants to play as much football as he possibly can," the 24-year-old reflected. "So that would be the aim. But if it's not to be, it's not to be. If I've some other role with the team and if I can push the team over the line, I'll gladly do it.

"There's different roles for different guys on the team. Some lads play more than others. Some lads don't get the chance at all. It's just a privilege to put on that jersey and represent Dublin in some way and influence the team, just a privilege to get more time this year.

"It's a special group of players. It's an honour to be involved even with them, in any capacity."

While there is a perception that Costello is scratching his head wondering what more he can do to win a starting berth, he stressed he is content with his role.

He said: "Any time I pull on that Dublin jersey it's a proud moment. It's something that you grow up wanting to do and wanting to achieve.

"Everyone has their own role and their job to play. Even if they don't get on at all, it's about driving lads on in training or whatever it is. Everyone has their own individual role which I think pushed us over the line this year."

Given Costello's impressive form, it will be difficult to ignore him in 2019.