Exclusive: Clarke set for Armagh return

ARMAGH’S attacking options have received a serious boost with the news that Jamie Clarke is set to rejoin Kieran McGeeney’s squad.

The Crossmaglen man, who played for New York in the Connacht Championship in the summer, has recently returned from America and Gaelic Life understands that he has indicated that he is willing to return to the Armagh camp.

The hugely talented attacker will not, however, be able to rejoin the Cross squad as they try to navigate a path to the county final for the first time in three years as his transfer status does not allow it.

Clarke hasn’t lost his touch and produced some magical football as Longford claimed the New York Club Championship earlier this month.

He hit 1-4 in the semi-final win over Donegal to secure Longford’s first final appearance and followed it up with eight of their 11 points in their narrow final victory over Monaghan.

It’s another boon for McGeeney who has the possibility of putting together a fine attacking unit in 2019.

As well as Clarke, Crossmaglen duo Oisin and Rian O’Neill will likely be sounded out while Cullyhanna pair Jason Duffy and Ross McQuillan are also highly tipped to make a big impression after earning their debuts in the county’s Qualifier run last season. There are also hopes that Stefan Campbell’s inter-county career can be revived when he returns from America in the coming weeks.