Anthony Daly has set his sights on luring Conal Keaney back to the Dublin hurling panel for 2010 following the 2003 All Star nominee's excellent performances for Ballyboden St Enda's this season.
Keaney was in sublime form for the Firhouse outfit last Sunday against the Kilkenny champions, Ballyhale Shamrocks, but his performance was not enough to prolong Ballyboden's interest in the Leinster club championship.
Were Keaney to revert back to the small ball for the first time since 2004 it would represent a huge boost to Daly who has already secured the services of Shane Ryan for the coming year.
"In fairness to Conal, he was absolutely outstanding again last Sunday," the former Clare player and boss told the Irish Daily Star.
"We'd really love to have him but I wouldn't be one for putting pressure on the chap at the moment.
"But we're looking at getting our best possible 15 on the field for Dublin and Conal would be part of that 15.
"We still very hopeful and would love him to at least combine both next year. That's what I'm hoping for because Conal is one of the outstanding forwards in Dublin hurling."