Ger Brennan: Ciarán Kilkenny must start for Dublin in All-Ireland SFC final

Ger Brennan says Ciarán Kilkenny must start for Dublin in Sunday's All-Ireland final while Darran O'Sullivan questioned Kerry's decision to promote Stephen O’Brien to their starting line-up.

Dublin manager Dessie Farrell has kept faith with the team that started the semi-final win over Monaghan, with Kilkenny again named on the bench.

However, it is expected Kilkenny will be drafted in before throw-in and his former team-mate Brennan feels Dublin need him influencing proceedings from the first whistle.

Two-time All-Ireland SFC winner Brennan told The Championship podcast: "If Ciarán is fit enough you have to start him. He’s been such an influential player over the last number of years. Every time he has come in during the last couple of games he has added value, no more than Stephen O’Brien coming at half-time the last day [against Derry].

"Sometimes you have to put your best foot forward. Trying to hold a few lads back, it’s obviously important to have some fresh legs and quality coming in for that last quarter of a game, but at the same time you have to pick what you have available.

"You’ve got to try and get your best XV out there and take the game to the opposition."

We need your consent to load this rte-player content We use rte-player to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review their details and accept them to load the content. Manage Preferences

Kilkenny has played the role of impact substitute on a number of occasions this season, including the wins over Mayo and Monaghan. Brennan questioned whether injuries were a factor in his bench role but has no qualms about starting him on Sunday.

Brennan said: "A fella of his quality, once the hunger is