Declan Darcy still faces a telling test to regain full fitness ahead of the Leinster football final replay with Kildare on Saturday week. Dublin's prolific free-taker missed last Sunday's drawn game due to the Achilles' tendon injury which has significantly hampered his championship participation this season.

Last night, manager Tom Carr put Dublin through their first full training session since Sunday's game and Darcy had his first complete run-out in a number of weeks.

"To be honest, we don't know at this stage if he will be ready or not," said Carr. "It's very much a case of wait and see but obviously the availability of Declan is an option that we would like to have."

With Ian Robertson definitely ruled out of the replay after fracturing a bone in his foot, Carr will be especially eager to have Darcy back in contention for a starting place.

Also of concern for Carr ahead of the replay is wing forward Jim Gavin, who has a back injury. Gavin was amongst the temporary free-takers last Sunday - successful with his first attempt early in the game. "His situation isn't looking too good and he won't be doing any serious training for the next 10 days," said Carr.

In contrast, opponents Kildare have all their panel training without any significant problems. Karl O'Dwyer is fast approaching his full playing fitness after spending the last number of weeks restricted with a broken finger.

It's been over a week since O'Dwyer had the two pins in his troubled finger removed and, although his return at some stage of the replay seems inevitable, it remains to be seen whether or not manager Mick O'Dwyer will decider to alter his current forward line-up which so far have impressed beyond expectations.

Meanwhile, Eamonn Coleman will attend the Derry County Board's meeting next Wednesday to inform them whether or not he wishes to stay on as senior football manager. He has also denied suggestions that he was a candidate to replace Westmeath manager Brendan Lowry.

Donegal are still on the hunt for a replacement for Declan Bonnar and, as of yesterday, there were no clear indications about who might be the possible successor. And Fermanagh clubs have until next Monday night's county board meeting to submit their nominations for the man to replace previous football manager Pat King.