Clarke – Down are ‘slight favourites’ against Armagh

SURVIVAL…Down’s surprise draw against Cork on the last day of the league sets them in good stead for the championship

JOHN Clarke believes Down are well-positioned to overcome fierce rivals Armagh in their Ulster Championship quarter-final at Pairc Esler on June 4 – but adds that the repercussions for the losing camp could be considerable.

The former Down star believes home advantage could swing the tie in their favour against an Armagh side still reeling from their scuppered promotion bid.

“It’s a big game but home advantage will be huge for Down. Armagh had a disappointing end to the league so you’d say Down are going in as slight favourites.

“Historically Down and Armagh matches have always been feisty affairs. There’s no love lost and whichever manager loses that game could be under huge pressure going into the qualifiers. It’s going to be a huge game from that side of things as well.”

The full interview with John Clarke is available in store today or online here.