McGeeney and Browne likely to line out for second Test against Aussies

KIERAN McGEENEY is likely to be available for the crucial second test against Australia in the Fosters International Rules Series in the MCG Grounds next Friday.

And, there are hopes Declan Browne may be fit after missing the first test in Perth after being injured in the warm-up game.

There was speculation the Armagh captain could face a match ban after being involved in an incident late in the fourth quarter of the first test that led to Cormac McAnallen and Australian Chris Johnson being sent off.

He is confident that the Irish team can achieve a significant improvement, saying there was a general awareness that they had been guilty of some ‘stupid play.’

More to the point, a steely determination to do better was evident immediately after the final whistle went. That was the way that ‘most strong fellows’ would have felt, he added.

“We were really disappointed for being stupid, because we worked hard and won a lot of ball. The stats proved we had as much possession as the Australians.

"It was what we did with it was poor. We gave a lot of ball away and I know myself I kicked a few long balls. And then free kicks which would have been ‘bread and butter’ for most of our boys were missed.

“We gave ourselves a target of so many overs (three-pointers), but we didn’t get them, especially in the third and fourth quarters.

“We’d be disappointed over that but I think we can address it.”

And, while agreeing that the big Australian full-forward Barry Hall had been a ‘handful,’ he didn’t agree he was the difference between the two teams.

“It takes more than one player. if someone is at the tail-end of a win he will always gain the benefit.

“I thought Graham Canty had a great game for us I thought Cormac McAnallen tried very well on Hall considering the difference in physique. We’re getting used to different aspects of the game.

“I think it’s just the stupidity on the ball that really got to the Irish team. We gave far too much possession away and kicked too many wides.

“Basically it wouldn’t be accepted in our own game, not to mind this game. That was the biggest reason for our disappointment. We didn’t feel they over-powered us in any way. We caused our own downfall with what we did with the ball.”

The players have an early start today with an 8am departure from their hotel for the flight to Melbourne. The party is due to arrive there at 4.30pm (6.30am Irish time).