Twelve days out from the Leinster football semi-final against Kildare and Dublin manager Jim Gavin has, yet again, ruled Ger Brennan out of contention.

The All-Ireland winning St Vincent’s captain hasn’t lined out in a Dublin defence since September 2013.

“He should be back very soon,” said Gavin. “I’d be hesitant to put an exact date in the calendar but he’s been working very close with the athletics team. He’s very close to it now, please God, we’ll have him back soon.”

Brennan last played football for St Vincent’s in February but his experience at centre back, where Dublin were exposed during last year’s All-Ireland semi-final defeat to Donegal, is one reason the management are willing to invest so much time in his recuperation from a long term achilles problem.

“He’s kept himself in good physical condition, done a lot of work in the gym, and his body composition is excellent,” Gavin continued.

“He’s a very experienced player who brings a lot to the team and his influence off the park has been outstanding as well.

“It has been (frustrating. Obviously as a manager you want your best players on the park and on a personal level it’s been a long road for Ger but he’s a very determined man and he wants to get back in the blue jersey and is putting in a big fight for it, we’ll support him as best we can. Hopefully it will work out.”

Elsewhere, Kilmacud Crokes pair Rory O'Carroll and Cian O'Sullivan (both hamstring injuries) along with Denis Bastick (ankle) should be available for selection come Sunday week.