MARTIN CLARKE’S former Collingwood team-mates will sound the Down playmaker out about the possibility of returning to the AFL when they visit Ireland as part of the Australian international rules squad next month.

MARTIN CLARKE yesterday reaffirmed his loyalty to Down’s championship campaign while also leaving the door open for a possible return to the AFL in years to come.

DOWN football boss James McCartan has admitted it’s likely Aussie Rules side Collingwood will try to lure Marty Clarke back to Australia.

AUSSIE RULES club Collingwood are continuing with plans to face the Dublin footballers in a Compromise Rules clash later this year despite the renaissance of the International Rules Series.