Footballer of the Year Michael Darragh Macauley says Jim McGuinness got it wrong with his comparison of Dublin to Chelsea under Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich.

The Donegal manager claimed the Dubs are away ahead of the rest when it comes to sports science but, from his experience, Macauley believes a lot of the top counties are operating on a level playing field.

"It's the first I've heard of it. I'm not really sure about that," the Ballyboden midfielder said to the Irish Independent when McGuinness' comment was raised.

"From playing college ball, I would have got some insight into a lot of the other counties around the country and, from what I can see, it's very similar.

"When I initially came into the Dublin set-up (in 2010), I thought we were way past everybody else - but then I realised that everyone shares the same strength and conditioning coaching, shares the same techniques.

"A lot of the facilities have been a lot better, in different counties where we've been.

"So I wouldn't agree with those comments. As regards the facilities and coaches, I think it's pretty much a level playing field - honestly I believe that at the moment."

The Dublin senior team are reaping the rewards of a lot of hard work at underage level in recent years according to MDMA.

"Look it, Dublin have got their underage structures right over the last while and I suppose it's maybe a product of that, which has come through at the moment.

"It's not really any big secret that we've been successful underage, and those lads are starting to come through now at senior level.

"It's been a long time coming for Dublin, but thankfully at the moment football is in a healthy place."

He added: "We were coaching young Dublin kids at camps over the last few weeks, and it's good for them to learn what sort of a commitment is needed at this level - if they want it.

"Being a Dublin footballer isn't for everyone, and no one's going to force you into doing it. But, if these kids do want to pursue their dreams, they have to know that it takes a level of commitment, and they are going to have to do certain things to get there.

"I think the earlier they know exactly what's involved, the better. The kids coming through at the moment are coming through much better educated than we were, and definitely know what's involved."

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