Ciaran Whelan returned to the Dublin football team for last week's clash with Cavan but already there is speculation that this will be his last year in the county colours.
Some regard the Raheny clubman as one of the great midfielders but I find him an enigma.
He has given us some memorable moments and at times his high fielding has been a joy to watch.
However, I have rarely seen Whelan perform consistently over the hour and he has had a tendency to have a great half or burst into big games in flashes.
Whelan has also been increasingly tetchy on the field as his physical powers have waned and on occasions if he had not been wearing the colours of the Dubs, which seem to be an aid when referees are handing out the cards, he may have found himself seeing red much more often.
Whelan can still do a job for the Dubs but I can't see him putting in 70 minute shifts this season and instead I believe Paul Caffrey will use him as an impact sub or tell him to get out on the field and run until he drops.
Whelan still doesn't have a coveted All-Ireland medal, hasn't even played in an All-Ireland final, and if he is to join the pantheon of Dublin greats he will have to win the big one this year.
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