Shiels warning to Loughgiel contingent

Antrim's Paul Shiels

ANTRIM star Paul Shiels has warned the returning Loughgiel players that they won’t simply walk into Jerry Wallace’s side.

All-Ireland club heroes DD Quinn, Joey Scullion, Barney McAuley and Eddie McCloskey returned to county training on Tuesday night, while Liam Watson will join the panel in a few weeks time.

The Saffrons secured Division 1 hurling next season with a last gasp win over Laois at Casement Park on Sunday when Shiels sealed victory with a 74th minute point.

Antrim had trailed by 10 points five minutes into the second half but staged a remarkable fight-back to give themselves a shot at reaching the Division 1B final.

And such is the competition for places that former captain Shiels secured his first starting spot of the season against the O’Moore men.

“They [the Loughgiel players] will have to earn their position as well, they can’t expect to come back and step onto the team,” said the Dunloy club man.

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