Five potential fantasy stars

Cavan’s Gerard Smith

The McKenna Cup threw in at the weekend, and there were a number of good performances from potential fantasy stars and old campaigners.

The deadline for the first round of the NFL Fantasy Football competition closes at midnight on Friday February 3, so now’s the time to get to work on your panel.

With that in mind we looked at the McKenna Cup games at the weekend to get an idea of which players may give your team an edge.

Gerard Smith (Cavan)

The Cavan forward scored 1-2 against Tyrone, including one incredible point. Smith’s star potential is no secret to those within the Breffni county, but after his display against the Red Hands the word is out. He is a half forward in the GL Fantasy Football competition, a difficult line to pick up scores in, which could make him a valuable player this year if he can adjust to playing in NFL Division one. He would have returned

Ciaran McKeever (Armagh)

Most Armagh fans thought that the decision to name Ciaran McKeever was a smokescreen for Kieran McGeeney, and that the defender would move to the rearguard for their Dr McKenna Cup match on Sunday. However, McKeever stayed up front and even managed to score a major in their win against Derry. If McKeever were to continue to play up front, it would present massive value for fantasy managers as goals and points are worth more from defence, plus Armagh should deliver a good deal of clean sheets.

Alan Davidson (Down)

The Bredagh man scored 1-4 against Queens in their McKenna Cup opener, emphasising that he can do damage for county as well as club. The goal came from a penalty, but it was well taken, and proves that he has a calm head. He’s a fantasy full forward which makes it a gamble to play him.

Oisin O’Neill (Armagh)

The Armagh players lined out for St Mary’s against Antrim, and scored a notable 1-6. Antrim were understrength, as Frank Fitzsimmons and Gearoid Adams opted to experiment with their team. That said, 1-6 is a good tally no matter who you are playing against. O’Neill is a fantasy full forward, so it would take a considerable leap of faith to play him ahead of other more established forwards. Yet in division three he could score plenty.

Thomas Kerr (Monaghan)

Sunday’s one-point win over Fermanagh threw up two different Monaghan players to consider for your team. Thomas Kerr and Michael Bannigan both played well. Bannigan scored 0-3, Kerr hit 0-4. But it is Kerr that should be considered. He’s been around the panel for a few years now, and he should be a regular starter come the league. If he hit four points every week for your team you’d be delighted as he’s a half forward in the fantasy competition, a tricky line to get points from.

Deadline to enter your team for round one closes at midnight on Friday February 3. Enter now