Eoghan O'Gara has welcomed confirmation that Dublin will play their home National League games in Croke Park this year.

The big full forward impressed on the big stage last season and is looking forward to returning to GAA headquarters for the games against Cork, Kerry, Mayo and Down this spring.

"Yeah, they have big appeal," he said.

"There'll be big crowds hopefully. It will stand to guys who haven't been around that long, more Croke Park experience. Maybe you're losing out a bit on Parnell Park, a tighter pitch and more intimidating for opposition, but I think it's a plus anyway.

"Bigger pitch, for the likes of myself, means there's more room. The more time spent on that pitch, the better for the summer."

The Templeogue/Synge Street clubman isn't exactly enamoured by Pat Gilroy's early morning training policy, but knows it will stand to him and his team-mates come the championship.

"There's a few grumpy heads at that hour of the morning, but we'll all benefit in the long run," he continued.

"It's nice to get back going again and I'm glad to be back out on the pitch again. You're dying for a break and then when you get it, you start itching to get back in a week or two. It's nice to be back." Tweet

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