DUBLIN legend Barney Rock lauded all-time great Stephen Cluxton as the goalkeeper aims to take a step closer to a perfect ten.
The seven-time All-Star came under fire for his display in the Dubs’ Leinster SFC semi-final loss to Meath in April.
His kickouts malfunctioned as the Royals subjected their old rivals to a first defeat in a provincial fixture in 15 years.
But in his 23rd Championship campaign, Cluxton responded with a starring role in the win over Galway in the opening round of the All-Ireland groups.
Rock said: “Maybe you wouldn’t be expecting to see a 43-year-old but he’s an exceptional keeper.
“He must be one of the best goalkeepers ever.”
Although he conceded a couple of goals against Galway, Cluxton’s first-half save that foiled Shane Walsh was key.
He kept a clean sheet in the defeat to Armagh and another in the win over Derry that saw Dublin advance.
Cork ace Chris Óg Jones produced a superb finish to find Cluxton’s net in Saturday’s preliminary quarter-final. Still, Dessie Farrell’s advanced.
Speaking at the launch of the 24th annual Circet All-Ireland GAA Golf Challenge, Rock said: “He’ll be disappointed he let a couple of goals in but there wasn’t much he could do about the Cork one.”
Along with Michael Fitzsimons and James McCarthy, Cluxton is one of three to have won nine All-Ireland SFC medals.
But with that pair now retired, the Parnells man will be out on his own if the Dubs reclaim Sam.
Ahead of Saturday’s quarter-final with Tyrone, Rock said it would be ‘a fantastic honour’ if he were to achieve the feat.
He said: “If Dublin win it, he will be there to win the tenth and Mick and James would be behind. But records are there to be broken.
