Clarke commits to Armagh cause

Armagh manager Paul Grimley's preparations for the new season have been given a timely lift with confirmation that star forward Jamie Clarke will be available for the Orchard County this season.

Grimley was resigned to being without Clarke for this year's Allianz League and championship, as the talented Crossmaglen Rangers clubman had indicated his intention to go travelling after the conclusion of his side's AIB All-Ireland Club Championship campaign this spring.

However, Clarke appears to have had a change of heart, with Grimley confirming that the talented attacker is staying in the country and will be taking up a new role promoting football within the county.

"Jamie has got his degree and will be settling into his new role. It will be a terrific shot in the arm for Armagh football to have him working here. He has so much to offer," Grimley said.

Although Clarke's immediate focus is on chasing a third consecutive AIB All-Ireland Club title with Crossmaglen - the Armagh champions face Roscommon side St Brigid's in an All-Ireland semi-final on February 16 - his return to the inter-county fold is a major plus given the wholesale changes implemented in the off-season.

Andy Mallon, Billy Joe Padden, Malachy Mackin, Michael O'Rourke and Anton Duffy were all released by Grimley in a significant clear-out, with seven newcomers handed starting places in the recent McKenna Cup defeat to Cavan.