Diarmuid Connolly has to stand up for himself against off-the-ball tactics aimed at distracting him during games, according to former Dublin manager Paul Caffrey.

Speaking to the Irish Daily Star, 'Pillar' says the St Vincent's and Dublin ace has few peers when it comes to ability.

"Diarmuid Connolly, in my eyes, was always a genius on the ball," Caffrey said.

"I don't think, since I've been involved with Dublin, that there has been another player like Diarmuid Connolly for ability.

"In terms of him being protected at club level - particularly during the All-Ireland club semi-final - the abuse he took off the ball was shocking.

"But he's a big guy. It's part of the game that he has to manage himself. Nobody can tell him or teach him how to do that." Tweet

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