McGeeney: Reinforcements could be ready for Rossies

A FEW more All-Ireland winners could be available for selection on Sunday afternoon as Armagh head to King & Moffatt Dr Hyde Park, but manager Kieran McGeeney isn’t counting his chickens before they hatch.

Ben Crealey was part of the matchday panel the last day out against Galway, although the 2024 All-Star midfielder didn’t see any gametime, mostly due to the fantastic form Callum O’Neill and particularly Andrew Murnin have shown in recent weeks.

Rory Grugan has also returned to the fold following an extended break, although he wasn’t togged out two weeks ago. Darragh McMullen, who picked up a shoulder injury in the opening round of the McKenna Cup against Tyrone, is working his way back as well.

“Ben was there or thereabouts for Galway but the way the game was going, Andrew was outstanding in the middle of the park and Callum put in a great shift for us too so there really was no replacements,” McGeeney said.

“It’s good to see Rory back, he’s straight back into it and hopefully we’ll have a couple more pushing but sometimes when you say that it can be one in and two out, so we’ll just wait and see.

“It’s great to have Rory back in the camp, he’s a great leader as well.

“Ben and Darragh Mac will obviously be two big players for us as well.”

Armagh’s one-point defeat to Galway means they sit on two points after two outings, following their first round victory away to Monaghan.

Roscommon are in the same position, having lost to Kerry before seeing off the Oriel County two weeks
ago.

Sunday’s showdown could be key in the relegation battle at the bottom of the table, with the winner likely to breathe a sigh of relief.

Armagh have only won two of their last five meetings with the Rossies, and they’ll look to improve that stat this weekend.

McGeeney isn’t expecting to see his 2024 All-Ireland winning captain pull on the boots just yet as Aidan Forker, who went under the knife during the club season, is working his way back from injury.

“What he has is gnarly, that’s the best way of putting it,” McGeeney added.

“We’re just trying to calm it down more than anything else.

“It’s a back thing and it’s very frustrating for the fella because Aidan is one of those fellas that does everything right.”