Former Dublin star Paul Mannion says the decision by Dessie Farrell and his management team to draft Eoghan O’Donnell into the squad is “a great move”.

Dublin’s hurling captain linked up with the county’s football panel following Mattie Kenny’s men’s exit from the Leinster SHC on score difference last month and it is thought that he could play some part in Saturday’s All-Ireland SFC quarter-final against Cork.

While he admitted to being somewhat surprised by the move, Mannion told RTE Sport that he views it as being positive overall and credited O’Donnell for taking on the challenge.

"I was a bit surprised, but when I thought about it then it made sense. When the hurlers were out, sure. I've never played with Eoghan or seen him play, but I've heard from Cormac Costello and others that he's brilliant,” said Mannion, who transferred to Donegal Boston at the start of this month.

"He obviously brings a lot of leadership and a different perspective from the Dublin hurling team so I think it was a great move by management to get him in.

"Fair play to Eoghan as well for taking on the challenge. It will be a tricky one for him, walking into a new dressing room late in the season but, look, he has a tonne of experience from the hurling and I'm sure he'll be fine and the lads will help him settle in too."

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