McDonnell and Clarke set to team up with Armagh again

ARMAGH’S inspirational double act of Steven McDonnell and Ronan Clarke are poised to finally team up again for the 2012 Championship.

The pair won the All-Ireland together in 2002 and are regarded as perhaps the most potent forward duo in the game when fully fit and available. Clarke’s long running battle with injury has seen Armagh deprived of his services in an Ulster championship game since 2009.

He’s missed the last two seasons with an Achilles problem though just as his recovery is almost complete the news broke recently that McDonnell, 32, is strongly considering retirement. However, manager Paddy O’Rourke has knocked the retirement rumour on the head and, regarding Clarke, stated the former Young Footballer of the Year is close to a return.

“He hasn’t played football in two years,” said O’Rourke. “But we are hoping he will be in good shape for the start of the National League. That’s the target. He’s been this far before with his recovery only this time he’s had the Achilles operated on and he’s come through all that rehab. Rehab has gone very well and reports are all very good. Really, nobody can say he’s going back onto the pitch until you put him out and see how he reacts.”

As for McDonnell, O’Rourke ruled out retirement for the Ireland ace who starred in the recent International Rules series victory in Australia.

“He has taken a break, he is expecting a child to be born in March and we are hoping that after that he will be looking to kick ball again,” added O’Rourke. “I’d have no doubt you will see him.”

Midfielder Kieran Toner is heading to Australia for much of the Allianz League but O’Rourke is optimistic he’ll be back for the Championship too. “He’ll be a massive miss but again we’d hope we’ll have him back and he is the sort of fella that if he comes back he’ll come back in very good shape,” said O’Rourke of Toner.