Clarke "must fight for Armagh place"

Armagh boss Kieran McGeeney says Jamie Clarke will “have to work” to win back his starting place after a year's break from inter-county football.

The Crossmaglen forward moved to New York in June for work, and played Gaelic football for the Longford GAA club in New York, and soccer with Cosmopolitan Soccer League Division One side NY Shamrocks.

Clarke has committed to playing a full season for Armagh in 2017, but McGeeney says the 27-year-old will need to prove his worth all over again after his sabbatical.

"We have a lot of young quality players and my hope is, and they seem to understand this, that if you want to get somewhere you have to commit to it," he told BelfastLive.

"It’s good to see how far you can push yourself and I’m hoping Armagh will definitely get the benefit of those players coming through in the year to come.

"I know Jamie a long time, but he’s going to have to work to get his place. I’m hoping that Jamie will have to fight as hard as the rest, because if he does then we’re in a good place.

"That’s one thing I like about Jamie, when he’s training he works really hard. That’s why he’s such a good player.

"Some rely a bit too much on flair but you need both and Jamie is well aware of that.

"He is a very courageous player too and hopefully he gives himself the best chance to show what’s he’s got. That’s the big thing."

Crossmaglen cornerback Paul Hughes returns to the squad after a year in the United States, while veteran defender Andy Mallon is likely to return to the panel later in the season.

Kieran McKeever, Mark Shields, James Morgan and Andrew Murnin should all be ready for the start of the Orchard County's Division Three league campaign in February.

Photo (Inpho/ Andrew Paton)

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