Published: Wednesday, 10th March, 2010 5:00pm

Roscommon will be hoping that nothing comes from Donie Shine's Aussie Rules trial.

by Kevin O'Neill

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ROSCOMMON remain hopeful that star forward Donie Shine will be around in the primrose and blue for a long time to come, after the talented Clann na nGael player attended preliminary trials in Gormanstown, Meath, last Wednesday, organised by controversial Australian sports agent and Aussie Rules' recruitment guru Ricky Nixon.

Shine was among a list of talented young players that Nixon enticed to take part in trials last week.

Previously, the Rossies' lost their opening two league matches to Cavan and Fermanagh, and they sit bottom of the league as table-toppers Antrim prepare to visit Dr Hyde Park on Sunday (2.30pm).

And despite Shine's trials last week, selector Declan Hoare is confident the Athlone native will feature for his county for some time yet.

"Many young players get called up to these trials but they don't all make it," said Hoare.

"I've no doubt Donie Shine has all the capabilities and skills required to be a success wherever he may go, but I believe Donie's focus and concentration is on Roscommon. Obviously, if Donie were to depart, it would be an anormous blow to the county, but I can't see that happening any time soon," addde Hoare.

As well as helping the seniors this Sunday, Shine will also be expected to play a major role when Roscommon under-21s play either Leitrim or Mayo in the Connacht semi-final on St Patrick's Day.

Even though Roscommon made a stirring comeback during the latter stages of last weekend's defeat to Offaly, Hoare and the management team were still not happy with the team's display.

"You can never say you're happy when you lose and we saw the Offaly game as one we could win.

"Moral victories won't save us from relegation. We need points on the board and it's going to be very difficult against Antrim on Sunday. They are top of the table and Paddy Cunningham, in particular, is a massive threat.

"We have to fight hard and believe we can win. We are, however, still making basic handling errors and our kick-passing is poor, too.

Johnny Dunning, meanwhile, has returned to club football after a lengthy spell out of action with a broken leg,