Ciarán Whelan: Tom Lahiff now more comfortable in his environment

Ciarán Whelan is seeing a much more confident Tom Lahiff in the Dublin jersey during the Allianz League, and ponders whether he could be a regular partner for Brian Fenton in the Dublin engine room.

Lahiff, a latecomer to the inter-county scene after his call up by Dessie Farrell last year, again had a fine game at midfield last Sunday against Donegal as Dublin notched up their second win in this season's league.

Farrell's side head to Monaghan this weekend knowing another two points will preserve their top-flight status.

Whelan, speaking on the RTÉ GAA Podcast, has picked 27-year-old Lahiff as been the "one bright light that has developed" for Dublin over the last two months.

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Whelan said: "He had a few shaky moments last year when he was brought into the team. He's the prefect example of a guy who is now feeling more comfortable in his environment.

"We really forget how difficult it can be for somebody new coming into the team of that status, and the bar and expectation you're meant to get to. He is looking a lot more comfortable and confident."

Fenton has been a colossus around the middle for Dublin since making his debut in 2015. However, Whelan feels that Dublin will benefit even more by having a "full-time partner" alongside Fenton.

"They need to bed somebody down," he added.

"Whether that's Lahiff or [Brian] Howard we'll see. Howard was excellent against Donegal, got three great scores and fielded a few great balls. They need to commit to somebody in that role and stick with them.