ARMAGH coach John Toal has challenged the Orchard county players to hit the ground running when they return to the county arena in a few weeks’ time.

Armagh were in super form pre-lockdown and over the last few months their players have really been standing out for their clubs, something that doesn’t always happen when the club and county seasons overlap.

Kieran McGeeney’s side are set to restart their promotion push on October 17/18 when they welcome Roscommon to the Athletic Grounds before rounding off their Division Two campaign with a trip to Clare the following week.

One win is likely to secure a return to top-flight football for the first time since 2012.

“If the players just continue what they had been doing, they will be okay,” he said.

“They have plenty of ability and they just have to want to learn and push on. They have to show that they have the desire to hopefully get us back to where we want to be.

“They’re mad keen to improve and when you come across players like that, it leaves you buzzing.”

While Armagh are undoubtedly on an upward trend, Toal has said that Orchard supporters must remain patient given the young age profile of the squad.

“It’s a young team and they are developing very well. They are a great bunch of lads with great commitment and hopefully people see that.”

Meanwhile, Aidan Nugent has had surgery following the cruciate injury he picked up on club duty with Cullyhanna. The St Patrick’s man will not be available until 2021.

By Niall McCoy

n.mccoy@gaeliclife.com