Rory O’Carroll talks blanket defence, his hamstring hell and Dublin’s hopes for the Championship

Impressive even when sitting down

Despite being the No1 choice by Dublin fans for the full-back position, Rory O'Carroll is worried about losing his place in the Leinster champions starting 15. Their provincial opener with Longford or Offaly is only weeks away, but the Kilmacud Crokes man is battling to be fit having hurt his hamstring again during the latter stages of the league campaign. We caught up with the dual star in Parnell Park to chat Ger Brennan's views on the marriage referendum, his thoughts on GAA going 13-a-side and why Dublin won't be watching any live football this Sunday, Everyone thinks it – so are Dublin gone more defensive than last year?

'I'm not sure if we're set up better defensively but certainly differently as before. It's not radically different, I just think it's slightly more defensive. Jack (McCaffrey) is always going up the field, he spends more time up there than nearly in his own half. And James (McCarthy) and Nicky Devereux are very attacking wing-backs so I don't think Jim would try and change that. 'We're maybe trying to be a bit more conscious of our defensive duties but there has been tweaks made.'

Did you feel for Ger Brennan getting abuse for advocating his position on the Marriage Referendum?

'I suppose me and Ger would have a very good relationship and it's healthy to have debate in dressing rooms and households and across the country. Today I just want to talk about the GAA and the upcoming championship more than anything else.'

Ciaran Whelan's come up with a solution to blanket defence style football – 13-a-side GAA? Could it work?

'It would make it a lot harder for me anyway so I suppose. But it's good to hear the likes of Ciaran and Joe Brolly trying to come up with ideas and proposing things that might improve the game. The two lads are passionate about the game and they have the game's best interest at heart.' 'I'll have no influence over whether it happens or not but I don't think any suggestions should be brushed aside. I think players accept that the game is the way it is and there's no point complaining this season or next season. You just concentrate on what you can do within the current structure.'

How's the leg and the 'soft tissue' injury Jim Gavin said you picked up after the league?

'I'm not fully recovered yet. It's just a hamstring injury so I hope to be back in a week's time. This year is the first time I've had this problem, since last October actually. Before that I've never really had any soft tissue injuries. The recovery and rehab is just lots of gentle exercise on your own and running with the physios to try and get up to speed.'

Are you going to struggle to make the team for the Leinster opener?

'I'd be hoping that I could make myself available for selection for later this month. After being missing for so long I'm not sure if management will be able to pitch me in but I'd be hopeful. 'The match is a week earlier this year and maybe with the injury it would have suited me if it was a little bit later like it normally is, but that's just what I have to deal with and concentrate on getting right.' 'I think I can accept that injuries are part of sport and it is a little bit frustrating when it's an injury that recurs and you end up being out for a long period of time. I do a bit of yoga, just the normal stuff, not the bikram yet!

Is it hard to stay sharp mentally and physically when you've no real threat in Leinster?

'For us we can't look beyond the first round and if we tried then Jim wouldn't let us. He really does believe in preparing for each championship game as if its your last. He doesn't allow any complacency creep into the team and I think lads are looking forward to the first game and to play well to try and keep their place in the team. 'I don't think as players you aim to peak at any set time. You just try to be the best at that given moment. It's not a case of trying to hold back for later in the season.'

What game will you be watching Sunday? Longford v Offaly or Donegal v Tyrone?

'I think we're training at the time of the games so we won't be watching it anyway. Jim has rather astutely catered the time so that the lads will be working while the matches are on. It's not a coincidence I don't think.'

Rory O'Carroll  was speaking to SportsJOE at today's AIG launch of their  Pupil Protector Insurance Plan in Partnership with JF Dunne Insurances in Parnell Park.