Dessie Farrell insisted Stephen Cluxton needed no persuading to return to the Dublin fold ahead of this year's championship.
Cluxton, who will celebrate his 42nd birthday in September, returned to the county panel only very recently, according to Blues boss Farrell, and because of the injury profile of the squad's goalkeepers, with Evan Comerford ruled out of action for at least part of the championship and young netminder Hugh O'Sullivan also absent.
The legendary Dubs goalkeeper last played at inter-county level when he led Dublin to the All-Ireland championship in 2020 - thus completing the historic six in a row. He won his eighth Celtic Cross medal in the process, and now he's back.
READ MORE: Stephen Cluxton back in Dublin fold as they complete Division 1 return
Farrell was asked if Cluxton needed much arm twisting. “No, he didn’t," Farrell smiled.
"He’s Dublin through and through. He’s always said he’s willing to help out if the need arose and the need has arose. We’re delighted to have him in the mix.”
Dubs fans were shocked and delighted to see Cluxton warming up with the matchday squad at Croke Park this afternoon ahead of the Allianz League 2 clash with Louth.
David O'Hanlon played in goal in the victory that secured the Dubs promotion back to Division 1 while Cluxton remained on the bench, wearing the no 16 jersey.
Afterwards, Farrell spoke about Cluxton's return. “Stephen is training a couple of weeks now," he said. "He’s fit and healthy and keen and eager.
"We’ve had a number of goalkeeping injury woes. You’ll all be fairly familiar.
"Evan hasn’t played any minutes this season yet and while he’s working his way back, hopefully at some stage during the championship. Hugh O’Sullivan, our under-20 keeper, he’s been injured recently as well and tied up with the 20s.
“So there was a vacancy there and Stephen has always said if he could ever help us out in any way, he’d be willing to do it. We’re delighted to have him in the mix.”
And clearly a competitor like Cluxton won't be content to come back to sit on the bench.
“I would have thought not, no," said Farrell. "Knowing the man.”
Cluxton's return means that the Dubs have welcomed back three All-Ireland winners to the fold in Jack McCaffrey, Paul Mannion and now the veteran keeper.
The Parnells man never did announce his retirement, with Farrell stating in 2021 that he had "stepped away".
Asked now if he was surprised by this development, Farrell replied: “No, I wouldn’t be surprised.
"Knowing the individual, the competitive juice is always there. He’s always been Dublin true and true and when the time calls, he stepped forward and it’s great to have him.
“Stephen has always been very close to everyone in the squad. He’s never been too far away and we’ve been delighted to have him back in the mix.
“Obviously Stephen’s leadership and experience and the personality he is, those types of individuals are invaluable in any setup. Over the past couple of seasons, we’ve had a few players move on and retire and that type of thing.
“So it’s definitely a very welcome addition.”
When asked what Cluxton will bring to the set-up, Farrell replied: "Obviously his leadership, his experience, he’s a real standard-bearer as well."
One inquisitor suggested the netminder would bring some degree of crankiness, too.
"Yeah, well I’ll let you tell him that," grinned Farrell. "But no, we’re delighted to have him back."
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